“Auld Matrons”
Description
Willie comes courting at Annie's door; she assures him that Matrons (an old woman by the fire) can do nothing. But Matrons summons the sheriff, who comes to take Willie -- only to have Willie escape by calling on his brother John, a fantastic fighter
Notes
This seems to be either descended from or heavily influenced by the Robin Hood tradition, or specifically (in Child's view) "Adam Bell." One rather hopes it is the latter; the rescue by John, if anything, weakens the ballad. - RBW
Cross references
- cf. "Adam Bell, Clim of the Clough, and William of Cloudesly" [Child 116]
References
- Child 249, "Auld Matrons" (1 text)
- Leach, pp. 612-614, "Auld Matrons" (1 text)
- DT 249, OLDMATRN
- Roud #3915
- BI, C249