I have a passion for ballad. . . . They are the gypsy children of
song, born under green read more

I have a passion for ballad. . . . They are the gypsy children of
song, born under green hedgerows in the leafy lanes and bypaths
of literature,--in the genial Summertime.

More solid things do not show the complexion of the times so well
as Ballads and Libels.

More solid things do not show the complexion of the times so well
as Ballads and Libels.

For a ballad's a thing you expect to find lies in.

For a ballad's a thing you expect to find lies in.

I had rather be a kitten and cry mew
Than one of these same metre ballet-mongers.

I had rather be a kitten and cry mew
Than one of these same metre ballet-mongers.

Some people resemble ballads which are only sung for a certain
time.

Some people resemble ballads which are only sung for a certain
time.

Thespis, the first professor of our art,
At country wakes snug ballads from a cart.

Thespis, the first professor of our art,
At country wakes snug ballads from a cart.

I love a ballad but even too well if it be doleful matter merrily
set down, or a very read more

I love a ballad but even too well if it be doleful matter merrily
set down, or a very pleasant thing indeed and sung lamentably.

The farmer's daughter hath soft brown hair
(Butter and eggs and a pound of cheese)
And I read more

The farmer's daughter hath soft brown hair
(Butter and eggs and a pound of cheese)
And I met with a ballad, I can't say where,
That wholly consisted of lines like these.

A famous man is Robin Hood
The English ballad-singer's joy.

A famous man is Robin Hood
The English ballad-singer's joy.