Tam Lin Balladry


versions



Tam Lin: Child Version 39N


Why version 12 & 3/3?: This version is but a fragment of Tam Lin, and has been incorporated into the mixed version called Child's Notes. It does not have its own number, but as one of the three versions that makes up the Notes version, it shares a number with that version.

source cited: 'Tamlane,' " Scotch Ballads, Materials for Border Min.strelsy," No 96 a; in the handwritine of John Leyden.

Summary:The unnamed female complains to Tomas about losing her virginity, while the Queen of Fairies complains about Tamlane's escape
(and while it's just as fast to read the ballad as the summary, I'd like to note that within the space of two stanzas, the name of the male protagonist changes, so the two have no actual link between them.)

  1. 'Gowd rings I can buy, Thomas,
    Green mantles I can spin,
    But gin ye take my maidenheid
    I'll neer get that again.'

  2. Out and spak the queen o fairies,
    Out o a shot o wheat,
    She that has gotten young Tamlane
    Has gotten my heart's delight.'

Return to Child's notes

© 1997-2003 Abigail Acland for all original works unless otherwise noted.
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