Appendix A - Minstrel References in the Middle English Verse Romances

Summary

This appendix is intended to provide a comprehensive catalogue of explicit references to minstrels and music performance in Middle English verse romances. While numerous scholars have discussed minstrel references, they have frequently focused on phrases that imply oral presentation (such as ‘Lythe and lystenyth’ or ‘I shall yow tell’). This collection does not include such references unless they are specific about minstrel performance. Since the purpose of the collection is to find patterns that may illuminate narrative performance, some categories of music performance have been eliminated. The catalogue does not include references to church bells ringing or liturgical singing, and it similarly excludes musical signals associated with hunting or battle or the commencement of a course at a feast. Bird song, angel song, siren song, and general references to joy and mirth and melody are not included, nor are general references to lamentation as song. References to courtiers dancing or revelling or entertaining each other are present only when they specifically refer to instrumental music. All other references to musical performance are included, as are all explicit references to ‘minstrels’ or ‘minstrelsy’ or music for processions, and references to musical instruments when they do not serve a signal function or are not simply being carried from one place to another. Explicit descriptions of narrative performance are included except when characters appear to be telling one another what has happened to them. When references elude these parameters, decisions about inclusion are based on overall consistency.

The romances are listed alphabetically, and each listing is followed by qualifying passages contained in that romance.