Volume I, song 046, pages 46 and 47 - 'The Maid in Bedlam' - Scanned from the 1853 edition of the 'Scots Musical Museum', James Johnson and Robert Burns (Edinburgh and London: W. Blackwood & Sons, 1853)

Verse 1: 'One morning very early, one morning in the spring, I heard a maid in Bedlam, who mournfully did sing; Her chains she rattl'd on her hands, while sweetly thus sung she, I love, my love, because I know, my love loves me.' 'Bedlam' is Bethlem Royal Hospital, a famous mental asylum in London. It was founded in 1247 and became notorious for its inhabitants' rowdy behaviour. There are three different sets of lyrics given in 'The Scots Musical Museum' for this one tune. In his notes on the 'Museum', Burns commends the second song, composed by a Mr Poe, claiming he does 'not remember any single line that has more pathos than: 'How can she break that honest heart, that wears her in its core' (verse 3)'. Despite this praise, Burns believed the song was of Irish origin and, therefore, had no place in the 'Museum'. John Glen (1900) is unsure whether the melody is Irish or Scottish. This tune was published previously in McGibbon's second collection of Scots song, in 1746, under the title 'Will ye go to Flanders'. Glen concedes that this does not prove it is of Scottish origin, but shows only that there is no knowledge of its being published anywhere else earlier.

Collection

Scots Musical Museum

Inventory Number

4503241

Title

Volume I, song 046, pages 46 and 47 - 'The Maid in Bedlam' - Scanned from the 1853 edition of the 'Scots Musical Museum', James Johnson and Robert Burns (Edinburgh and London: W. Blackwood & Sons, 1853)

Object Type

PhysicalObject

Measurements

- 260 x 211 mm