“Sale of a Wife”
Description
A (ship carpenter), hard up for money for drink and tired of quarreling with his wife, puts her up for sale. After a lively auction, a sailor wins her. He takes her home and they live happily
Notes
The National Library of Scotland site notes that this sort of thing actually did happen, and even includes a broadside (NLScotland, L.C.1268, "Sale of a Wife," W. Boag (?), Newcastle, describing an event of July 16, 1828) allegedly documenting such a sale. - RBW
Cross references
- cf. "In Praise of John Magee" (plot)
Broadsides
- NLScotland, L.C.Fol.178.A.2(119), "The Ship Carpenter's Wife," unknown, c. 1830-1850
Recordings
- Eddie Butcher, "The Ship Carpenter's Wife" (on IREButcher01)
References
- SHenry H226, pp. 511-512, "The Ship Carpenter's Wife" (1 text, 1 tune)
- Peacock, pp. 253-254, "Cabbage and Goose" (1 text, 1 tune)
- DT, CARPWIFE
- Roud #2898
- BI, HHH226