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3/19/1804: death of John Ker, 3rd duke of Roxburghe (b1740.) He was the
major collector of what became called the Roxburghe Ballads, nearly 1000
(later up to 1500) early broadsides & the major source of black letter
broadsides. Over the years, many went into tradition.
As I went through the meddowes greene,
that are mostly lovely to be seene,
I heard two men in great discourse
of many things, better or worse;
The one a Serving-man, and he
stood much upon his bravery; [= fine clothing]
The other was a Husband-man,
which no man speake against him can.
I am a Serving-man that's fine,
and feed on dainties, and drinke wine,
I am for Ladies company,
who can have pleasures more than I?
I have the love of Maidens faire
that are their Parents onely heire;
Although they goe in garments gay,
with me they'l yeeld to sport and play.
Though you in garments goe most brave,
yet you must yeeld to what I crave;
No Serving-man shall make me yeeld,
Ile shew the cause whereon I build.
A Serving-man cannot come nie
to that which I will verifie:
A young Serving-man may compare
to be an old beggar-man's heire.
Etc.
"The discourse between the Serving-man and the Husband-man" c1590
Per Chappell, v1, 1869, pp 300-305 (Roxb. Coll. I. 98, 99) -
a very early (or earliest) "ballad-dialogue."
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