The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #163421   Message #3899157
Posted By: Steve Gardham
12-Jan-18 - 02:28 PM
Thread Name: Musical literacy in times gone by
Subject: RE: Musical literacy in times gone by
Yes, I have a copy but only of the first verse and music. The same is actually printed in FSJ 13 along with some of the other variants you mention. It is dated c1778-80. The tune seems to have similarities with George's version and Henry Gaylor's. It is definitely burlesque.
Kidson thought it was a parody of 'Lord Thomas & Fair Eleanor' but I would say it's more likely of 'Lord Lovell'. It was directed to have been sung in a 'crying style' no doubt to elicit laughter. Both Joe Grimaldi and later Sam Cowell were masters of this style.