“Fanny Blair”
Description
Eleven-year old Fanny Blair falsely accuses a young man of molesting her. He is tried and sentenced to death, although the community doubts his guilt. He begs to be buried at home rather than in the prison yard, and hopes God will pardon the child.
Notes
In Sharp's version the crime is robbery, and Fanny Blair is not the victim but an accomplice who is turning king's evidence.-PJS
As Paul's note shows, details of the crime and punishment in this ballad vary, and the girl's age varies from eleven to eighteen. - RBW
References
- Wyman-Brockway II, p. 103, "Fanny Blair" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Sharp-100E 46, "Fanny Blair" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Huntington-Whalemen, pp. 229-231, "Fanny Blair" (1 text, 1 tune)
- DT, FANBLAIR* FANBLAI2*
- Roud #1393
- BI, WB2103