I guess it's time for this old folk fogey to defend once again the virtues of the oral tradition. Let me direct your attention to the work of one of the nation's greatest folksong collectors and scholars, the late Vance Randolph, who wrote the definitive works on Ozark folksong and lore. Gershon Legman recently edited two massive volumes of Randolph's bawdy collectanea, stuff which no one would publish in more prudish times, but which has been thriving in oral tradition for centuries and which Randolph collected cheerfully. No genre of traditional song has been less influenced by print, thus remaining pure for the purists among us.

Dear Blessings-Barbara, perhaps this will explain my interest, and let me assure you that my enthusiasm for such material is strictly academic! In fact, I once gained the academic admiration of the very demanding John Greenway simply because I knew more verses to the infamous "Ball" than even he knew, and he was sure that his own collection was worthy of international recognition. Thus you'll find me in complete support of MMario's observation in the posting above: this is pure folklore, unsullied by the prissy attitudes of Mrs. Grundy and Professor Bowdler.

So, let's have a rousing cheer for good Rugby players everywhere for their invaluable contribution to the living tradition of unadulterated smut! Hip-hip!

Sandy (DOM)