Here we have yet another typical example of the non-narrative 'Lover's lament' genre. Typically the stanzas come in almost any order, half stanzas can be shunted around at random, and stanzas from other similar pieces frequently become attached. Other examples are the 'Died for Love' family, 'Down in the Meadows/Must I go Bound', 'Waly Waly,' etc.

However, some conclusions can be suggested as to its origins. the 10 versions in Greig-Duncan Vol 6, p156-161, one with 9 stanzas seem to suggest a scottish origin with a little overspill into N Ireland. Discounting the 1 or 2 commonplaces that have become attached, the main stock of stanzas draws upon 2 broadside laments of the 17th century, one a rare piece 'The Cruel Nymph/The Brown Girl' (Child 295A), definitely printed in newcastle, and very likely in Scotland; and the other the well-known 'Green Grow the Laurels' printed all over. A typicalbroadside hack's trick was to take 2 or more successful pieces and with some added fresh, cobble together a seemingly new piece.


The lines from 'The Cruel Nymph' are the 'sent me a letter' ones, but a similar line occurs in 'Green Grow the Laurels'.

The lines from 'Green grow the Laurels' are:
'Green grow the leaves and the water runs clear....'

The stanza...'My love sent me some red roses fine....thyme...rue....I'll drink to mine'

And...'I can love little I can love long.....love whom I please.

The Greig-Duncan umbrella title is 'The Rue and the Thyme' which I have followed in my Master Titles Index.