DICITUR
Seriously--following the development of this legend is a hobby of
mine. If anyone heard the plague explanation before 1961, I'd love
to hear it, along with any serious scholarly proof (e.g. references
in literature, song, broadsheet, etc.) that could prove it IS about
the plague.
RESPONDEO DICENDUM
My novice master was happy to quote Ring-a-ring etc as a commonly
known reference to the Black Death. That was in 1954. He was an
Irishman: it may be that the story is yet older.
By stages we shall get back to 1349, but at this rate it will be a
bit slow.
a.c.
Anselm Cramer OSB
Monastery Librarian
Ampleforth Abbey, York
GB - YO6 4EN
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