The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #45263   Message #2750923
Posted By: Howard Jones
23-Oct-09 - 07:03 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Greenfleeves with an F (Flanders & Swann)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Greenfleeves with an F (Flanders & Swann)
I think trying to equate "butt of sack" with the instrument "sackbutt" is mistaken. A butt of sack was the traditional payment to the Poet Laureate, and I think all F&S are doing here is making a reference to that type of reward for services rendered, especially those of an artistic nature. I'm sure this reference would have been recognised by the "culturally savvy audience of London theatregoers"