“The White Fisher”

Description

Willie learns that a "popish priest" fathered his wife's baby. She tells Willie to cast the babe in the sea; he instead gives the child to his mother. Willie's wife weeps for the babe and reviles him; Willie tells her the babe is alive; both are happy

Notes

Bronson notes that Child's view of this ballad is distorted by his single text, and notes that it should be modified in view of the collections by Grieg. - RBW

References

  1. Child 264, "The White Fisher" (1 text)
  2. DBuchan 60, "The White Fisher" (1 text)
  3. DT 264, WHITFISH
  4. Roud #3888
  5. BI, C264

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1878
Found in: Britain(Scotland)