Annotation:Old Woman Clothed in Gray (1) (An)

According to Chappell (1859) the air appears in a manuscript of 1662, and also has appeared in Salter's Genteel Companion for the Recorder (1683), Lady Catherine Boyd's MS. Lyra Viol Book, Henry Carey's Musical Century (vol. ii), John Gay's Beggar's Opera (1728, where it appears as "Through all the employments of life"), Humours of the Court (1732), and Walsh's Dancing Master, among other publications (see Chappell {1859}). A popular tune, state Chappell (1859) and Pulver (1923), to which the number of appearances in period publications attests; it was used for numerous political ballads, especially around the turbulent year 1680, and appears under different titles in many ballad operas of the early 18th century. The original song begins:

An old woman clothed in gray

Whose daughter was charming and young,

But chanced to be once led astray

By Roger's false flattering tongue.

It appears in Playford's Dancing Master under the title "Unconstant Roger" after the Roger in the song. Chappell (Popular Music of the Olden Time), vol. 2, 1859; pgs. 120-121. Howe (1000 Jigs and Reels), c. 1867; pg. 152. Raven (English Country Dance Tunes), 1984; pg. 50.