Hi McGrath -- in Thomas Rhymer, Thomas is admonished not to speak by the Elf Queen:

"But Thomas you must hold your tongue
Whatever you may hear or see
For if you speak word in fair Elfland
You'll ne'er get back to your ain country"

Of course, in many versions of the ballad, he continues to talk with the Elf Queen. I've often wondered whether the order of events in the ballad was inverted for some reason, and perhaps in some older version he really doesn't speak after this admonition. On the other hand, Ellen Kushner in her book _Thomas Rhymer_ came up with an elegant solution -- her Thomas is allowed to speak, but only to the Elf Queen.

And when it comes to just plain stubbornness about not speaking, how about "The Barring of the Door"?

"They made a pact between them twa
They made it firm and sure - o
Whoever should speak the very first word
Would rise and bar the door - o."

John, this may be too late for your column. I haven't checked out your writings yet, but I'm looking forward to reading them!

--Sarah