Part iv

. Quite distinct from this hitherto unnoticed examplar, not already reprinted, is “_Saw you not ~Pierce~, the piper_,” &c., the ballad reproduced by us, from _Merry Drollery_, 1661, Part 2nd., p. 124, (and ditto, _Compleat_ 1670, 1691, p. 312); which agrees with the _Antidote against Melancholy_, same date, 1661, p. 16. More than a Century later, an inferior rendering was common, printed on broadsheets. It was mentioned, in 1797, by Joseph Ritson, as being a “much more modern ballad [than the _Antidote_ version] upon this popular subject, in the same measure intitled _Arthur o’ Bradley_, and beginning ‘All in the merry month of May.’” (_Robin Hood_, 1797, ii. 211.) Of this we already gave two verses, (in Appendix to _M. Drollery C._, p. 400), but as we believe the ballad has not been reprinted in this century, we may give all that is extant, from the only copy within reach, of ARTHUR O’ BRADLEY:—

“_All in the merry month of May,_ _The maids [they will be gay,_ _For] a May-pole they will have, &c._”

(See the present Appendix,