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There are lots of folk things about which one might say, "It was on the
first of August, the xxx, it began." However, this year we'll stick to:
8/1/1263: The Battle of Largs between Alexander III of Scotland & Hakin V
of Norway over the western & northern isles. The Scots won. The song is
called "Hardycanute: Or The Battle of Largs."
Hardyknute had died some 200 years before the battle of Largs, however,
and thus probably only played a very minor role in it.
Late late zestrene I weind in peace [last night]
To end my lengthned life,
Ma age might weil excuse my arm
Frae manly feats of stryfe; [strife]
But now that NORSE dois proudly boast
Fair Scotland to inthrall,
Its neir be said of Hardyknute,
He feard to ficht or fall. [fight]
David Herd, 1776
I don't know why I don't find it in Child - perhaps it couldn't be
demonstrated that the song actually went into tradition. Or was Popular.
© Abby Sale - all rights reserved
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