This is a rhyme that I hadn't heard until I started this challenge although some people I have spoken to have been surprised that I hadn't heard it so I'm learning stuff from this too. 'Elsie Marley's grown so fine. She won't get up to feed the swine, But lies in bed 'til eight or nine! And surely does she take her time.' This little rhyme seems innocent enough. Elsie is obviously a lady who has, for what ever reason, got ideas above her station. She has become so fine that she won't get out of bed before 8 or 9am and refuses to feed the pigs. When she does get up she certainly doesn't rush to do anything. The rhyme has been changed with good reason. Her name was actually Eppie Marly. Here is the original. Bonnie Prince Charlie 'Saw ye Eppie Marly, honey, The woman that sells the barley, honey? She's lost her pocket and a' her money, Wi followin' Jacobite Charlie, honey. Eppie Marly's turned sae fine, She&
Comments