The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #16170   Message #149161
Posted By: Joe Offer
14-Dec-99 - 01:23 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Juniper, Gentian, and Rosemary
Subject: RE: Juniper, Gentian, and Rosemary
A search for #1 will bring up all instances of Child Ballad #1, "Riddles Wisely Expounded," that we have in the database. The one you want is Jennifer Gentle (click), Child #1B. Child says the line "Jennifer gentle, fair Rosie Marie" is also rendered "Juniper, Gentle, and Rosemary" or "Juniper, Gentian, and Rosemary." There are five major versions of the song in Child's book, The English and Scottish Popular Ballads.
I can't believe I'm contradicting the esteemed nameless person above, whom I've never known to be wrong - but in this case, I don't think the song you want is "Scarborough Fair," which is Child #2. "Scarborough Fair" is certainly quite similar, but not the same. I challenge the Nameless One to prove me wrong on this one. If I lose, I will type whatever long ballad he requests. If I win, I hope he will come up with another one of those delightful ballads that he sometimes posts.
-Joe Offer-