Allan-a-Dale
a young minstrel in the old English ballads. About to be married, his bride is taken from him by her father, and promised to a rich old knight. Allan joins Robin Hood's band. With the aid of the outlaw and his bowmen, the maid is rescued at the altar, and the young couple are married. In Scott's Ivanhoe, Allan-a-Dale appears in the character of Locksley's minstrel. Scott has written a poem, also entitled Allan-a-Dale.
Allan-a-Dale has no fagot for burning,
Allan-a-Dale has no furrow for turning,
Allan-a-Dale has no furrow for turning,
Allan-a-Dale has no fleece for the spinning,
Yet Allan-a-Dale has red gold for the winning.
Come, read me my riddle! come, hearken my tale,
And tell me the craft of bold Allan-a-Dale.
Yet Allan-a-Dale has red gold for the winning.
Come, read me my riddle! come, hearken my tale,
And tell me the craft of bold Allan-a-Dale.
See Ivanhoe; Robin Hood
Volume I · Aiton’s Encyclopedia