“Fair Rosamond”

Description

""'I have a sister,' young Clifford said, 'A sister no man knows...." "...I would not for ten thousand worlds Have King Henery know her name." But Henry overhears, and writes a letter to her. The ending appears confused

Notes

For the confusing history of Rosamund Clifford and King Henry II, see the notes to "Rosamund Clifford."

It's interesting to note the extreme lustiness attributed to King Henry II here. This seems to be an exaggeration. Henry obviously was not a dutiful husband to Eleanor of Acquitaine, but neither do we have records of extensive extracurricular activities. This may be a confusion with his grandfather Henry I, who had on the order of fifty illegitimate children by nearly the same number of mothers. - RBW

Historical references

  • 1154-1189 - Reign of Henry II
  • c. 1176 - Death of Rosamund Clifford

Cross references

References

  1. Linscott, pp. 193-195, "Fair Rosamond, or Rosamond's Downfall" (1 text, 1 tune)
  2. DT, ROSACLIF
  3. Roud #3729
  4. BI, Lins193

About

Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1939 (Linscott)
Keywords: love royalty disguise
Found in: US(NE)