“The Beauty of the Braid”
Description
The singer has wandered far, but his "intellect is consummated By the charming beauty lives in the Braid." He asks how she came there; she was rescuing a lost lamb. He asks her name; she answers in riddles and bids him seek more education
Notes
Sam Henry believes this song to be many centuries old, as it mentions wolves, long extinct in Ireland. And yet, the lady wants the young man to know Latin, and encourages him to improve his education to solve her riddle. This implies a much more recent date, when learning was widespread.
I think we must regard this song as a mystery, probably of broadside origin. - RBW
References
- SHenry H723, p. 240-241, "The Beauty of the Braid" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Roud #9477
- BI, HHH273