“The Heir of Linne”

Description

The Heir wastes his money in gambling and wild living, (sells his lands,) and falls into poverty. He remembers a (letter/key) to be used only when he is in need. It tells him where to find a treasure; the Heir is once again rich -- and now wiser

Notes

Child lists many foreign analogues to this ballad. It should not be assumed, however, that they are actually related; the theme is commonplace. Indeed, it could easily be suggested by the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32); the only real difference is that, in the New Testament story, the father is still alive.

Still, Bronson links the tune loosely with "The Boom o' Cowdenknowes" -- which would make sense if someone were translating a text and fitting it to a British tune. - RBW

References

1. Child 267, "The Heir of Linne" (3 texts)
2. Bronson 267, "The Heir of Linne" (4 versions)
3. Percy/Wheatley II, pp. 138-150, "The Heir of Linne" (2 texts, one from the Percy folio and one the heavily-expanded version printed in the _Reliques_)
4. Dixon IV, pp. 30-36, "The Heir of Linne" (1 text)
5. Davis-Ballads 41, "The Heir of Linne" (1 text)
6. Leach, pp. 637-641, "The Heir of Linne" (1 text plus one text for comparison)
7. OBB 80, "The Heir of Linne" (1 text)
8. DT 267, LAIRDLIN*
9. Roud #111
10. BI, C267