The Beggar-Laddie
Encyclopedia
The Beggar-Laddie is a traditional English ballad
existing in several variants. It was collected by Francis James Child
as Child ballad 280.
Ballad
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads were particularly characteristic of British and Irish popular poetry and song from the later medieval period until the 19th century and used extensively across Europe and later the Americas, Australia and North Africa. Many...
existing in several variants. It was collected by Francis James Child
Francis James Child
Francis James Child was an American scholar, educator, and folklorist, best known today for his collection of folk songs known as the Child Ballads. Child was Boylston professor of rhetoric and oratory at Harvard University, where he produced influential editions of English poetry...
as Child ballad 280.
Synopsis
A man tells a woman that he is a beggar, making his living from spindles or similar items. She loves him and follows him. After a time, she finds it very hard, but then he takes her on to his father's hall, or sometimes his brother's. His brothers express envy of his bride, and she gains a husband of high birth.See also
- The Jolly BeggarThe Jolly BeggarThe Jolly Beggar also known as The Gaberlunzieman is Child ballad 279. The song's chorus inspired lines in Lord Byron's poem So, we'll go no more a roving.-Synopsis:...
- Dugall QuinDugall Quin-Synopsis:Dugall Quin wooes Lisie Meanes, asking her how she likes him in his ragged dress; she answers that she likes him and asks how he likes her in her fine clothing; he likes her and asks her to come with him. Her father asks her not to go. She defies him. Dugall tells her that if he comes...
- Lizie LindsayLizie LindsayLizie Lindsay is Child ballad 226, existing in several variants .-Synopsis:A highland Laird courts Lizie Lindsay in Edinburgh, sometimes after his mother had warned him not to hide his highland origins. Her family warns him off, but her maid encourages her...
- Glasgow PeggieGlasgow Peggie-Synopsis:A Highlander comes to steal Peggie. In most variants, her father , declare that he might steal their animals, but not their daughter. He carries her off anyway.A few variants end there....
- Bonny Lizie BaillieBonny Lizie BaillieBonny Lizie Baillie is Child ballad 227. Some traditions claim it recounts an actual courtship.-Synopsis:Lizie Baillie meets a Highlander, Duncan Grahame, who courts her. She says she does not know how to work at a farm, and he promises to teach her. She will not have any Lowlander or Englishman,...