In conjunction with his sacred music, these amply justify the claim made for Purcell that he was, from whatever point of view he may be judged, the greatest of all English composers.
FOOTNOTES:
[6] The word ballad comes from Ballare, to dance.
[7] "Shakespeare in Music." Louis C. Elson. L. C. Page & Co., Boston.
[8] Cockle hat and staff were distinguishing marks of a pilgrim.
[9] It may be mentioned that there are numerous variations of these, as of all traditional melodies.
[10] Burton: "Anatomy of Melancholy," 1621.
[11] William Chappell's "Music of the Olden Time."
[12] "That will draw three souls out of one weaver" is a line of peculiar interest.
Although it shows a distinct lack of reverence, it is quite typical of the spirit of the time. The "weavers" were mostly Calvinist refugees settled on the East Coast, whose austere manners and mode of life made them a constant source of ridicule to the people among whom they had taken shelter.