The four Indian kings, [1780?]
- Title(s):
The four Indian kings.
- Published/Created:
- [London] : [Publisher not identified], [1780?]
- Physical Description:
- 1 sheet ([1] page) ; 22 x 33 cm
- Holdings:
- Rare Books and ManuscriptsPR975 .F68 1780+ OversizeYale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon CollectionView by request in the Study Room [Request]
Note: The Study Room is open by appointment. Please visit the Study Room page on our website for more details. - Copyright Status:
- Copyright Not Evaluated
- Full Orbis Record:
- http://hdl.handle.net/10079/bibid/12275186
- Classification:
- Books
- Notes:
- In four columns divided by decorative chains. Without illustrations. Title above the first column.
In two parts: Part.1. How a beautiful lady conquered one of the Indian kings." (top of first column); "Part II. The lady's answer to the Indian king's request" (third column).
Broadside probably appeared circa 1780 and is texturally similar to an edition in the British Museum ascribed to the year 1750 but it differs considerably from the numerous chapbooks of circa 1800, sometimes occurring with the title "The Four Indian Kings' Garland" and "The Three Indian Kings". These appear all to begin with the line "Listen to my true Relation" (for "Attend unto a true Relation", as here and in the British Museum copy of c. 1750), and all have extra lines added to provide a happy ending to the story.
F.F. Waldon's "Queen Anne and the 'Four kings of Canada' a bibliography of contemporary sources" in The Canadian historical review, volume 16, pages 266 cites two versions of this poem. This is the shorter version, without the marriage scene.
Popular ballad, inspired by the visit to England in 1710 of four Mohawk chiefs accompaning Sir Francis Nicholson to support him in his plea for help against the French in Acadia. The ballad, which was several times reprinted during the 18th century, narrates how the youngest of the chieftains fell in love with an English lady walking in St. James's Park, how he sent her his diamond ring with a proposal of marriage, and how she refused to consider is offer unless he first became a Christian. - Subject Terms:
- Ballads, English -- 18th century.Broadsides -- Great Britain -- Early works to 1800.Indians of North American -- Early works to 1800.London (England) -- Social life and customs -- Early works to 1800.Social classes -- England -- Early works to 1800.Unrequited love -- Early works to 1800.
- Form/Genre:
- Broadside poems.
- Export:
- XML