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One of the finest examples of the magick of herbs has been immortalized in the English traditional canticle and riddle, "Scarborough Fair". Believed to have been written sometime in the Middle Ages, it was sung by bards or "shapers" (as they were called in medieval England). Here is found the potency, romance and true magick of herbs, trees, flowers, and spices. For those of you interested in curious craft and herbal lore, Scarborough Fair has long been thought to be a riddle of some sort, but it could very well be a spell of the first magnitude. A spell decipherable only to those who understand the power and magick of Nature. "Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme" are believed to be the key in this riddle. Why were these herbs especially chosen for this canticle? Parsley is believed to have the power to soothe bitterness and create a loving atmosphere between two persons; sage symbolizes power; rosemary represents love and faithfulness; it was also believed to help a person bear a difficult task or challenge; and thyme represents courage; but thyme was also believed to be a favorite herb of the fairies. What do you think? Could this ancient riddle be an actual spell? You be the judge! Read the original lyrics and sing along!
Are you going to Scarborough Faire?
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Remember me to one who lived there.
She once was a true love of mine.
Have her make me a cambric shirt
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme.
Without no seams, nor fine needle work.
Then she'll be a true love of mine.
Tell her to weave it in a sycamore wood lane.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Gather it up in a basket of flowers
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Have her wash it in yonder dry well
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Where water ne'er sprung, nor drop of rain fell.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Tell her to find me an acre of land.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Between the sea foam and over the sand.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Additional Verses....
Plow the land with the horn of a lamb.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Then sow some seeds from north of the dam.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Have her reap it with a sickle of leather.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Gather it up in a bunch of heather.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
If she tells me she can't, then I'll reply.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Let me know, that at least she will try.
Then she'll be a true love of mine
Love imposes impossible tasks
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Though not more than any heart asks.
And I must know she's true love of mine
When thou has finished thy task.
Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme
Come to me my hand for to ask.
For then you'll be a true love of mine
Tell her to dry it on yonder thorn,
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
Which never bore blossom since Adam was born,
And then she'll be a true love of mine.
Ask her to do me this courtesy,
Parsely, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
And ask for a like favor from me,
And then she'll be a true love of mine.
Have you been to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
Remember me from one who lives there,
For he once was a true love of mine.
When he has done and finished his work,
Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme,
Ask him to come for his cambric shirt,
For then he'll be a true love of mine.
