“The Tinker”

Description

The lady of the manor sends for the jolly tinker, who services her, her staff (including the butler) and then rides off, "little drops of semen pitter-patting at his feet."

Notes

Randolph-Legman provides a detailed history of this ballad. - EC

This song can be told from "The Jolly Tinker" by its description of the tinker's, um, improbable physical attributes. - RBW

Cross references

• cf. "The Jolly Beggar" [Child 279]
• cf. "Clout the Cauldron"
• cf. "The Jolly Tinker (I)"
• cf. "The Jolly Tinker (III)"

References

1. Cray, pp. 29-36, "The Tinker" (3 texts, 2 tunes)
2. Randolph-Legman I, pp. 113-117, "The Jolly Tinker" (3 texts, 1 tune)
3. DT, JOLITINK JOLLTNK3
4. Roud #863
5. BI, EM029