This song may be sung to a very old Scotch air called “O can ye sew cushions.”
THE WOLVES OF OSSORY
The werewolf superstition is very persistent, and has been held in many countries until quite recent times.
ST. HUGH AND THE BIRDS
The reference is to St. Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, who is represented with his pet swan in most of his portraits. He founded a Carthusian monastery by the invitation of Henry II., at Witham in Somerset, and built the choir and a considerable part of Lincoln Cathedral. The stories of his love for birds are found in old chronicles.
THE SWORD OF DAMASCUS
An armorer's shop very like the one described has been brought from Abbeville and set up in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in one of the rooms devoted to armor.
THE WISDOM OF THE GALLEYS
“Y'Allah!” (O God!) is a common exclamation, often used as meaning “Make Haste!” Abu Hassan is “the father of Hassan,” In Moslem countries a father often uses his son's name in this way, allowing his own to be almost forgotten.
Khawaja, Khawadji or Howadji is a title of respect given exclusively to unbelievers.