“Bonny Bee Hom”

Description

The lady sits lamenting her absent love. She vows to wait seven years. Meanwhile, her love has received a talisman which will tell him if his love is dead or untrue. (After a year), the talisman turns dark. He sails for home, but his love is already dead

Notes

"Bonny Bee Hom" is often linked with "The Lowlands of Holland" ("The Lily of Arkansas"), a link dating back to Child. The matter has been much studied, without clear conclusion. It might be noted, however, that "Bonny Bee Hom" involves a magic device (the stone that tells the lover whether his sweetheart is true), a theme not found in "The Lowlands of Holland." - RBW

Cross references

• cf. "The Lowlands of Holland"

References

1. Child 92, "Bonny Bee Hom" (2 texts)
2. Leach, pp. 287-288, "Bonny Bee Hom" (1 text)
3. OBB 74, "Bonny Bee Ho'm" (1 text)
4. Roud #3885
5. BI, C092