The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #60248   Message #963510
Posted By: GUEST,Q
06-Jun-03 - 08:51 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Rose, Rose, Rose, Rose (Traditional)
Subject: RE: Tune Req: Rose, Rose, Rose, Rose (Traditional)
Jean Ritchie has put a melody to this little four-line round, with add-on verses, I think it is called the 'Peace' version. In the past others also added verses (ding-dong, love, love, etc., etc.), most not continuing the theme of the four lines.

The verse is supposed to be 17th century. It may be like "Ring Around the Rosie." which is 19th century, with one questionable version from the late 18th., but the fakelorists put great age to it.

Somewhere I got this, probably from the internet because it looks like a recent scribble, but I put it in my rhyme collection without the reference.

e d e lowb
e e f# g a f#
b a b g a b
b g e lowb

The commonest versions are:
Rose, Rose, Rose, Rose,
Shall I ever see thee wed?
I will marry at thy (my) will,
Sire, at thy (my) will.

Rose, Rose, Rose, Rose,
Wil I ever see thee wed?
I marry that you may,
If thou wilt stay.

Rose, Rose, Rose, Rose,
Wilt thou never marry me?
Ah, marry that I will,
If thou but stay.