“Brown Robyn's Confession”
Description
Brown Robyn and his men go to sea and meet a fierce storm. They cast lots to learn who is to blame, and Brown Robyn himself is thrown overboard. He sees the Virgin Mary, who offers to let him come to heaven or return to his men. He chooses heaven
Notes
This appears to be the only legitimate ballad that supports the doctrine of Justification by Faith. It is rather odd to find such a thing in Presbyterian Scotland. Especially given that Robyn had had incestuous relations with both his mother and his sister. - RBW
The theme of the sailor thrown overboard to calm a storm sent by God is found in Jonah 1.1-16. - BS
Cross references
- cf. "Captain Glen/The New York Trader (The Guilty Sea Captain A/B)" [Laws K22]
- (Jonah theme)
- cf. "Willie Was As Fine a Sailor" (Jonah theme)
References
- Child 57, "Brown Robyn's Confession" (1 text)
- Bronson (57) [Brown Robin's Confession], comments only with the tune belonging to "Captain Glen"
- OBB 21, "Brown Robyn's Confession" (1 text)
- PBB 8, "Brown Robyn's Confession" (1 text)
- Gummere, pp. 142-143+331, "Brown Robyne's Confession" (1 text)
- ADDITIONAL: Walter de la Mare, _Come Hither_, revised edition, 1928; #412, "Brown Robyn" (1 text)
- Roud #3882
- BI, C057