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TRADITIONAL AND PERIOD SONGS FOR THE SCA
-trans. by Ioseph of Locksley
All are Public Domain, save where otherwise noted
*
A CALLING-ON SONG
recorded by Steeleye Span
"Below the Salt"
revised by Ioseph of Locksley
Good people, pray heed my petition
Your attention I beg and I crave
for if you are inclined for to listen
An abundance of pastime will have
I am come to relate many stories
Concerning our Forefather's Time
And I trust they will drive out your worries
Of this we are all in one mind
Many tales of the poor and the gentry
Of labour and love will arise
There are no finer songs in this country
In East, West or Middle likewise
There is one thing more needing mention
The dances are danced all in fun
So, now that you've heard my intention
I'll lay on to the beat of the Drum!
*
GAUDETE
from: Piae Cantones (Swedish, 1582)
Recorded by Steeleye Span "Below the Salt"
Gaudete! Gaudete Christus est natus
Ex Maria Virginae, gaudete! (repeat)
Tempus ad est gratiae
Hoc quod optibamus
Carmina laetitae
Devote redamus
Deus homo factus est
Naturam erante
Mundus renovatus est
A Christo regnante!
Ezecheelis porta
Clausa per transistor
Unde lux est orta
Sallus invenitor
Ergo nostra contio
Psallat jam in lustro
Benidicat domino
Sallus Regi Nostro!
*
*
KING HENRY (Child #32)
recorded by Steeleye Span "Below the Salt"
Let never a man a-wooing wend that lacketh thing-s three:
A store of gold, an open heart, and full of charity
And this was said of King Henry, as he lay quite alone
For he's taken him to a Haunted hall, seven miles from the town
He's chased the deer now him before, and the doe down by the glen
When the fattest buck in all the flock, King Henry he has slain
His huntsmen followed him to the Hall, to make them burly cheer
When loud the wind was heard to howl, and an earthquake rocked the floor
As darkness covered all the Hall where they sat at their meat
The grey dogs, yowling, left their food and crept to Henry's feet
And louder howled the rising wind, and burst the fastened door
When in there came a grisly ghost, stamping on the floor!
Her head hit the rooftree of the house, her middle you could not span
Each frightened Huntsman fled the hall, and left the King alone
Her teeth were like the tether-stakes, her nose like club or mall
And nothing less she seemed to be than a Fiend that comes from Hell!
Some meat, some meat, you King Henry, some meat you bring to me
Go kill your horse, you King Henry, and bring some meat to me!
And he has slain his berry-brown steed, it made his heart full sore
For she's eaten it up, both skin and bone, left nothing but hide and hair!
More meat, more meat, you King Henry, more meat you give to me!
Oh you must kill your good greyhounds, and bring some meat to me!
And he has slain his good greyhounds, it made his heart full sore
For she's eaten them up, both skin and bone, left nothing but hide and hair!
More meat, more meat, you King Henry, more meat you give to me!
Oh, you must slay your good goshawks, and bring some meat to me!
And he has slain his good goshawks, it made his heart full sore
For she's eaten them up, both skin and bone, left nothing but feathers bare!
Some drink, some drink, you King Henry, some drink you give to me
Oh you sew up your horse's hide, and bring some drink to me!
And he's sewn up the bloody hide, and a pipe of wine put in
And she's drank it up all in one drop, left never a drop therein!
A bed, a bed, now King Henry, a bed you'll make for me!
Oh you must pull the heather green, and make it soft for me!
And he has pulled the heather green, and made for her a bed
And taken has he his good mantle, and over it he has spread.
Take off your clothes, now King Henry, and lie down by my side!
Now swear, now swear, you King Henry, to take me as your Bride!
Oh God forbid, said King Henry, that ever the like betide;
That ever a Fiend that comes from Hell should stretch down by my side!
Then the night was gone, and the day was come and the sun did fill the Hall
The fairest Lady that ever was seen lay twixt him and the wall!
I've met with many a Gentle Knight that gave me such a fill,
But never before with a Perfect Knight, that gave me all my Will!
*
*
ALL THRU THE NIGHT
While the Moon her watch is keeping
all thru the night
While the weary world is sleeping
all thru the night
O'er thy spirit gently stealing,
Visions of delight revealing
Breathes a pure and holy feeling
all thru the night
Though this Bard must roam full lonely
My true harp shall sing praise only
Love's soft dream, alas, is over
Yet my strains of love shall hover
Near the Presence of my Lover
Hark! A solemn bell is ringing
Thou, my King are heavenward winging
Earthly dust from off Thee shaken
Soul immortal shalt thou waken
With thy last, dim journey taken
Neath this Stone my King is sleeping
Stars around Him softly sweeping
Once and Future King preserving
Britain's Saviour there reserving
All around him Stars observing
all thru the night
Holl am ran-tire sehr thuh wed-ont
ahr heed ah nos
Dum-ar forth ee vro go-gawn-yont
ahr heed ah nos
Gol-i ar-all you tuh wull ooch
ee are thang os gweer bred vairtch-ooch
tie-leer nave oith m'yoon thu-wail-ooch
ahr heed ah nos
note: The last verse is phonetic Welsh.
"ll" is pronounced by putting the tip of your
tongue to the roof of your mouth, and saying "h"
and "l" at the same time...sort of.
"ch" is pronounced as German.
*
*
FARAIS UN VERS DREIT RIEN
-William IX, Count of Poitiers
tune: Ioseph of Locksley
copyright 1976 W.J.Bethancourt III
recorded: "Celtic Circle Dance"
I'll make some verses just for fun
Not about me, nor anyone
Nor deeds that noble Knights have done,
Nor Love's ado
I made them riding, in the sun..
My horses helped, too!
When I was born? I cannot say!
I am not sad, I am not fey,
I am not stiff, nor degage...
What shall I do?
Long since, enchanted by a Fay,
Star-touched I grew.
Dreaming for living I'll mistake
Unless I'm told when I'm awake
My heart is sad, and nigh to break
With bitter rue
And I don't care three crumbs of cake
Nor even two!
So ill am I that Death I fear
(I nothing know but what I hear...)
I hope there is a doctor near
no matter who!
If he can cure me, I'll pay dear;
If not: He's thru!
I have a Lady; who, or where
I cannot tell you, but I swear
She treats me neither ill, nor fair,
But I'm not blue...
Just as the * Normans * stay...up there...
OUT of Poitou!
I have not seen, yet I adore
This distant love, she sets no store
On what I think, and furthermore...
('tis sad, but true)
Others there are...some three...or four...
I'm....faithful....to!
I've made this verse, if you'll allow
I think I'll pass it on right now
To one who'll send it on, somehow,
Up to Anjou.
He'd tell me what it means, I vow,
If he but knew!
*
*
DIE GEDANKEN SIND FREI
-from the Bundshuh Rebellion
March 17, 1525
Translation by Arthur Kevess copyright 1950 People's Songs Inc.
recorded by the Limelighters "Live - In Person"
Die Gedanken sind frei, wer kann sie erraten?
Sie fliehen vorbei wie naechlichte shaten
Kein Mensch kann sie wissen, kein Jager ershiessen
Es bleibet dabei: die Gedanken sind frei!
Die Gendanken sind frei: my thoughts freely flower
Die Gedanken sind frei: my thoughts give me power
No scholar can map them, no hunter can trap them
No man can deny: Die Gedanken sind frei!
Ich denke was ich will, und was mich begluecket
Doch alles in der Still, und wie es sich shicket
Mein Wunsch und Begehren kann niemand verwehren
Es bleibet dabei: Die Gedanken sind frei!
I think as I please, and this gives me pleasure
My concience decrees: this Right I must treasure!
My thoughts will not cater to Duke nor Dictator
No man can deny: Die Gedanken sind frei!
Und sperrt man mich ein im finsteren Kerker
Das alles sind rein vegebliche Werke;
Denn meine Gedanken zerreissen die Schranken
Und Mauern entzwei: Die Gedanken sind frei!
And if tyrants take me and throw me in prison
My thoughts will burst free, like blossoms in season!
Foundations will crumble, the prison will tumble,
And free men will cry: Die Gedanken sind frei!
Es bleibet dabei: Die Gedanken Sind Frei!
*
RUE
-Anonymous
-recorded by Theodore Bikel
Come, all you fair and tender girls that flourish in your prime, prime
Beware, beware, make your garden fair; let no man steal your thyme, thyme
Let no man steal your thyme.
For when your thyme is past and gone he'll care no more for you, you
And every day that your garden is waste will be spread o'er with rue, rue
Will be spread o'er with rue.
A woman is a branched tree, and Man a singing wind, wind
And from her branches, carelessly, he'll take what he can find, find
He'll take what he can find.
*
*
WHERE DOES IT LEAD?
-Anonymous
recorded by Theodore Bikel
Where does it lead, this strange young love of mine?
Only Heaven and the lilies know!
Where does it lead, this strange young love of mine?
I must go down where the lilies grow....
Play on a lily reed, lily low
Play on until she too, heeds my woe!
Where does it lead, this strange young love of mine?
Any place it leads me I will go.
*
TWO MAGICIANS
(Child #44)
recorded by Steeleye Span "Below the Salt"
She looked out of the window, as white as any milk
He looked in at the window, as black as any silk
(Chorus): Hello, hello, hello, hello you coal black smith
You have done me no harm!
You never shall have my maidenhead
That I have kept so long!
I'd rather die a maid, aye, and then she said,
And be buried all in my grave,
Than to have such a nasty,
husky, dusky, fusty, musty coal black smith!
A maiden I will die!
She became a duck, a duck all in the stream
And he became a waterdog, and fetched her back again
She became a star, a star all in the night
And he became a thundercloud and muffled her out of sight
She became a rose, a rose all in the wood
And he became a bumblebee and kissed her where she stood
She became a nun, a nun all dressed in white
And he became a chantry priest to pray for her by night
She became a trout, a trout all in the brook
And he became a feathered fly, and catched her with his hook
She became a quilt, a quilt all on her bed
And he became a coverlet, and gained her maidenhead!
note: This has MANY variants. See Robert Graves' "The White Goddess" pg. 401!
*
*
QUEEN ELANOR'S CONFESSION
(Child #156)
recorded by the Chad Mitchell Trio
Queen Elanor was a sick woman
And afraid that she would die
So she sent for two Friars out of France
To come to her speedilye
When the King he heard that the Queen had sent
For Friars from over the Sea
He called on his noble Earl Marshal
To come to him speedily
Do you put on one Friar's coat
And I'll put on another
And we shall to Queen Elanor go
One Friar's much like another!
"Oh God forbid," said the Earl Marshal
"That such a thing should be!
For if I should beguile, and damn the Queen,
Then hanged I might be!"
Then the king he swore upon his Oath,
his Sceptre and his Crown,
That whatsoever Queen Elanor said
He would not write it down
So they rode on, and they rode on
Till they came to Whitehall
The bells did ring, and the Choristers sing
And the torches did light withal
"Be you two Friars of France," she said
"As I suppose you be?
For if you be two English Friars
Then hanged I may be!"
"We are two Friars from France," they said,
"As you suppose we be;
And we have not been at any Mass
Since we came over the Sea!"
"The very first sin that ever I did
To you I will unfold:
Earl Marshall had my maidenhead
Underneath this cloth of gold.."
"That is a vile sin," said the King,
"May God forgive it thee.."
"Amen, Amen!" quoth Earl Marshall
With a heavy, heavy heart quoth he!
* more *
Queen Elanor's Confession (cont.)
"The next vile sin that ever I did
To you I'll not deny:
I brewed a pot of poison strong
To poison King Henrye.."
"That is a vile sin," said the King,
"May God forgive it thee.."
"Amen, Amen!" quoth Earl Marshall,
"I wish it so might be!"
"The very next sin that ever I did
To you I will discover:
I poisoned Fair Rosamonde
All in the Woodstock bower.."
"That is a vile sin," said the King,
"May God forgive it thee..."
"Amen, Amen!" quoth Earl Marshal
"I wish it so might be!"
"Do you see yonder little child
A-tossing of that ball?
That is Earl Marshal's son," she said,
"And I love him the best of all!"
"And do you see yonder little child
a-catching of that ball?
That is King Henry's son," she said,
"And I love him the worst of all!"
"His head is like unto an Ox
His nose is like a Boar..."
"No matter for that," King Henry said,
"I love him the better therefore!"
Then the King threw off his Friar's coat
Appeared all in red
She weeped, she cried, she wrung her hands,
She said she'd been betrayed!
Then the King turned to his Earl Marshal,
And a grim look looked he,
And he said: "Earl Marshal, but for my Oath,
Then hanged you would be!"
note: This is an absolute slander on the actual
character of William Marshal, and on Elanor
of Aquitane. Wm. Marshal was considered the
best Knight in the world, in his day.
*
*
ROBIN HOOD AND THE PEDLAR (Child #132)
-recorded by Steeleye Span
There chanced to be a Pedlar bold,
A Pedlar bold there chanced to be
He put his pack all on his back
And merrily trudged o'er the lea
By chance he met two troublesome blades
Two troublesome blades they chanced to be
And one of them was Robin Hood
The other, Little John so free
(Chorus): Gentlemen of high-born blood
Gamble Gold and Robin Hood!
"Oh Pedlar, Pedlar, what's in your pack?
Come speedily, and tell to me"
"I've several suits of the gay green silk,
And silken bowstrings two, or three."
"If you've several suits of the gay green silk
And silken bowstrings two or three,
Then, by my body," said Robin Hood,
"Half your pack belongs to me!"
"Oh nay, oh nay," said the Pedlar bold
"Such a thing can never be!
For there's never a man in Nottingham
Can take one half my pack from me!"
Then Little John he drew his sword,
The Pedlar by his pack did stand
They fought 'til the blood in streams did flow
'Til he cried, "Pedlar, hold your hand!"
Then Robin Hood was standing by
And he did laugh most merrily
Saying "Perhaps a man of smaller scale
Could thrash the Pedlar more than thee!"
"Go try, my lord," cried Little John,
"Go and try most speedily!
There's never a man in Nottingham
Can beat the Pedlar, and also me!"
Then Robin Hood he drew his sword
The Pedlar by his pack did stand
They fought 'til the blood in streams did flow
'Til he cried, "Pedlar, hold your hand!"
"Pedlar, Pedlar, what's thy name
Come speedily, and tell to me,
For I am called bold Robin Hood
And Little John, he stands by me!"
* more *
Robin Hood and the Pedlar (cont.)
I'm Gamble Gold of the Gay Green Wood
I've traveled far beyond the sea
For killing a man in my father's land
And from my country forced to flee"
"If you're Gamble Gold of the Gay Green Wood
Then my cousin you must be"
We'll repair to a tavern near
And bottles crack most merrily!"
* note: sing the Chorus after every other verse, or so.
*
TWA CORBIES
(Child #26)
recorded by Joe Bethancourt
"Celtic Circle Dance"
As I gang waukin' all alane
I heard twa corbies makin' a mane
the t'ane untae t'ither spake
whaur sall we gang and dine today?
On yonder hill by yon auld fail dyke
I wot there lies a nu slain knight
and nae man ken that he lies there
save hawk and hound and Lady fair
His hound is tae th' huntin' gaen
his hawk tae fetch th' wyld fowl haem
his Lady's ta'en anither mate
so we may mak' noo our dinner sweet
Thou sall sit on his bonny hause-bein
and I'll pluck oot his bonny blue e'en
His luvly strands of gowden haar
sall theek our nest when it grows bare
There's mony a man for him mak's mane
but nane sall ken whaur he has gaen
o'wer his whyte bones when they are bare
the wynd sall blaw forever mare.
*
*
LORD GREGORY (Child #76)
(aka: The Lass of Loch Royal)
-recorded by Judy Collins, Joan Baez &c.
best recording is by The Silly Sisters
I am a King's daughter, I come from Cappa Quin
In search of Lord Gregory, pray God I find him
The wind beats on my yellow hair, the dew wets my skin
My babe is cold in my arms, Lord Gregory let me in!
Lord Gregory is not here, and likewise can't be seen
He's gone to bonnie Scotland to bring home his new Queen
Do you remember, Lord Gregory, as we sat at the wine
We exchanged rings, love, and the worst one was mine
Yours was of the beaten gold, and mine of black tin
Yours cost a shilling, love, and mine but a pin.
Do you remember, Lord Gregory, that night in my father's hall
When you stole away my heart, and that was worst of all
Go away from these windows, and likewise this hall
For deep in the sea you shall have your downfall!
A curse on you, mother, and my curse has been swore
For I dreamed my fairest Maid was calling at my door
Oh lie down, you foolish one, oh lie down and sleep
'Tis long ago her golden locks were drowned in the deep!
Go saddle me my best black horse, the brown and the bay
Go saddle me the best horse in my stable this day
I will range over valleys, over mountains I'll ride
'Til I find my fairest Maid, and stand by her side!
*
*
THE SEVEN JOYS OF MARY
-recorded by The Silly Sisters
The first good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of One
To see Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, when he was first Her Son!
(Chorus): When He was first Her Son, good man, and blessed may He be!
With Father, Son and Holy Ghost thru all Eternity!
The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of Two
To see Her own Son, Jesus Christ, to make the lame to go!
To make the lame to go, good man, and blessed ...etc.
The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of Three
To see Her own Son, Jesus Christ, to make the blind to see!
The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of Four
To see Her own Son, Jesus Christ, to read the Bible o'er!
The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of Five
To see Her own Son, Jesus Christ, to bring the dead alive!
The next good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of Six
To see Her own Son, Jesus Christ, upon the Crucifix!
The last good joy that Mary had, it was the joy of Seven
To see Her own Son, Jesus Christ, to wear the Crown of Heaven!
*
SILVER WHISTLE
-recorded by The Silly Sisters
Ah, who will play the Silver Whistle?
When my King's son to sea is going?
As Scotland prepares; prepares his coming!
Upon a dark ship on the ocean......
The ship it has three masts of silver
With ropes so light, of French silk woven!
So bonnie then, are six golden pulleys
To bring my King's son ashore, and landing.....
When my King's son he comes back home
No bruising stones will put before him!
Loaves of bread, bread will be baking
For Charles, with eyes so blue, enticing.......
Ah, welcome to you, Fame and Honour!
Pipes with tunes of joy attend you!
I will be dancing! I will be singing!
And I will play the Silver Whistle.............
And I will play the Silver Whistle!
*
*
HOW SHOULD I YOUR TRUE LOVE KNOW?
-Wm. Shakespeare (Hamlet)
(Ophelia's song)
Am E Am A dim
How should I your true love know?
C G Dm Am
From another one?
Dm Am A dim
By his cockle-hat and staff
Am C G Am G
And his sandal shoon.
He is dead and gone, Lady,
He is dead and gone!
At his head a soft green turf
At his heels a stone.
White his shroud as mountain snow,
Larded o'er with flowers,
Which bewept to the grave did go
With true lovers showers.
*
THE FALSE KNIGHT UPON THE ROAD (Child #3)
-recorded by Steeleye Span
"Oh where are you going to?"
said the False Knight upon the road
"Oh I'm going to my school."
said the wee boy and still he stood
"What is that upon your back?"
said the False Knight upon the road
"Ah weel, it is my books!"
said the wee boy and still he stood
Oh, what have you got there?
I have got my bread and cheese!
Oh won't you give me some?
No, ne'r a bite or crumb!
I wish you was on the sands.
Yes, and a good staff in my hands!
I wish you was on the sea.
And a good ship under me!
And the ship to sink.
An inch away from shore!
I think I hear a bell.
And it rings you straight to Hell!
*
*
GAUDETE: THE TRANSLATION!
from: Piae Cantones (1582)
-translated (?) by Ioseph of Locksley
Latin: English:
Gaudete! Gaudete Gaudette (Fr.) and Christopher
Christus est natus have been naughty with Maria (Sp.)
Ex Maria Virginae, from ( or in ) Virginia, USA.
gaudete!
Tempus ad est gratiae Tempus (1) is grateful for the
Hoc quod optibamus pawnshop while Carmine's breasts
Carmina laetitae are late in developing. He remains
Devote redamus optomistic as they ask to be read
the election results.
Deus homo factus est
Naturam erante Nature has erred and made God a
Mundus renovatus est poofter. Next month, renovation,
A Christo regnante! and Christopher may get pregnant.
Ezecheelis porta Eziekiel is carrying Santa Claus
Clausa per transistor with a transistor radio. Sally has
Unde lux est orta invented ( or ought to invent ) a
Sallus invenitor deluxe model of fancy underwear.
Ergo nostra contio The Ergones (2) are in our nostrils,
Psallat jam in lustro but we lust for "Psallat Jam."
Benidicat domino "The Benedictine dominos will reign
Sallus Regi Nostro! over Sally" says Nostradamus.
(1) A character from "Thieve's World." Damn Bob Asprin gets in
EVERYWHERE!
(2) Alien beings reputed to be used-car salesmen.
*
*
BURGUNDIAN CAROL
-Bernard La Monnonye (ca. 1650)
English translation by Oscar Brand
Dm E7 A
The Winter season of the year when to this world Our Lord was born
F C G7 C F Dm A7 Dm
The ox and donkey, so they say, did keep His Holy Presence warm.
A7 Dm A7 Dm C F A7 Dm A7 Dm Gm A7 Dm
How many oxen and donkeys, now, if they were there when first He came,
A7 Dm A7 Dm G A Dm Gm A7 Dm
How many oxen and donkeys you know, at such a time would do the same?
And on that night it has been told
These humble beasts so rough and rude,
Throughout the night of Holy Birth,
Drank no water, ate no food.
How many oxen and donkeys, now,
If they were there, when first He came,
How many oxen and donkeys you know
At such a time would do the same?
As soon as to these humble beasts
Appeared Our Lord, so mild and sweet,
With joy they knelt before His Grace,
And gently kissed his tiny feet.
How many oxen and donkeys now,
Dressed in ermine, silk and such,
How many oxen and donkeys you know
At such a time would do as much?
*