I knew a very wise man that believed that . . . if a man were
permitted to make read more

I knew a very wise man that believed that . . . if a man were
permitted to make all the ballads, he need not care who should
make the laws of a nation.
- Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun (2),

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

I've now got the music book ready,
Do sit up and sing like a lady
A recitative read more

I've now got the music book ready,
Do sit up and sing like a lady
A recitative from Tancredi,
And something from "Palpiti!"
Sing forte when first you begin it,
Piano the very next minute,
They'll cry "What expression there's in it!"
Don't sing English ballads to me!

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.

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.

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.