Dick o the Cow [Child 185]

DESCRIPTION: Johnnie Armstrong decides on a raid, but has little luck. He is advised to steal the three kye of Dick o the Cow, a "fool." Dick seeks redress; when denied, he makes off with horses in exchange for his cattle, and finally gets a reward from his master
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1775 (Percy papers)
KEYWORDS: horse revenge robbery family
FOUND IN: Britain(Scotland)
REFERENCES (8 citations):
Child 185, "Dick o the Cow" (1 text)
Bronson 185, "Dick o the Cow" (1 version)
Bronson-SingingTraditionOfChildsPopularBallads 185, "Dick o the Cow" (1 version)
Chambers-ScottishBallads, pp. 41-49, "Dick o' the Cow" (1 text)
Whitelaw-BookOfScottishBallads, pp. 374-378, "Dick o' the Cow" (1 text)
Leach-TheBalladBook, pp. 498-504, "Dick o the Cow" (1 text)
Quiller-Couch-OxfordBookOfBallads 142, "Dick o' the Cow" (1 text)
Sidgwick-BalladsPoemsIllustratingEnglishHistory, pp.86-95, "Dick o' the Cow" (1 text)
Roud #4012
NOTES [36 words]: This ballad may have some roots in history, but had clearly been magnified beyond recognition and become rather confused in the process. Child has various speculations; most are possible but none really convincing. - RBW
Last updated in version 6.6
File: C185

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