The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #4260   Message #524929
Posted By: pavane
10-Aug-01 - 04:02 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Reynardine: Info?
Subject: RE: Reynardine: Info?
There are lots of copies in the Bodleian Ballad library, almost all under the name 'The Mountains High' or similar. There are only two which are actually called Reynardine, and the others all have versions of the name, such as Rynadine (1814), Roynel Doine, Randal R(h)ine. One early, copy c1820 , just says meeting Reynard all upon the mountain but most of the text is illegible. It appears from these versions that Reynard(ine) is likely to be the oldest name, the others being later corrupions.

Place names quoted include Pomisa, Pimroy, Pomeroy


Other songs
The snowdrop of the South is given to the tune of Mountains High, and obviously has the same structure.

The song under the names Sly Reynard the Fox and Death of the Fox in the Bodley collection is similar the one recorded by Nic Jones.