[12] Keller, in his Volkslieder, p. 242, gives an analogous legend of a poor idiot boy, who lived alone in the forest and was never heard to say any words but ‘Ave Maria.’ After his death a lily sprang up on his grave, on whose petals ‘Ave Maria’ might be distinctly read. It is a not unusual form of legend; Bagatta, Admiranda orbis Christiani, gives fifteen such.
[13] The ballad concerning the analogous English Legend of Hugh of Lincoln seems to demand to be remembered here:—
HUGH OF LINCOLN
(SHOWING THE CRUELTY OF A JEW’S DAUGHTER).
A’ the boys of merry Lincoln,
Were playing at the ba’,
And up it stands him, sweet Sir Hugh,
The flower among them a’.
He kicked the ba’ there wi’ his feet,
And keppit it wi’ his knee,