It possibly has reference to some heroic action fought in Edward III’s reign, when Fowey’s contribution to the King’s fleet is said to have been 47 ships and 770 men. The song itself was perhaps written a hundred years later than this, but it is certain that in Tudor times it was one of the most popular songs in the land, so well known in the West that Richard Carew in his “Survey of Cornwall,” published in 1602, refers to it in his account of Fowey, and calls it old then. He says: “Moreover the prowess of one Nicholas, son of a widow, near Foy, is descanted upon in an old three man’s song, namely, how he fought bravely at sea, with John Dory (a Genowey, as I conjecture), set forth by John the French King, and (after much bloodshed on both sides) took and slew him, in revenge of the great ravine (_see Transcriber’s Note_) and cruelty which he had forecommitted upon the Englishmen’s goods and bodies.” Carew’s assumption is that John Dory was a Genoese employed by the French King. Many writers of the 16th and 17th centuries spoke of the song; Dryden described it as one of the most popular in his time. But gradually it came to be forgotten as songs in praise of newer heroes arose. But at any rate we can take it that “Nicholl’s” feat was no ordinary one, for he came of a race that loved fighting. The Fowey mariners were always ready for a sea fight, engaging in a little private piracy when legitimate warfare was not available. And they took their full share in the struggles against the Armada, and late against the Dutch admiral De Ruyter. Fowey--Q’s “Troy Town”--has seen as stirring a life as any of our seaport towns. It is still a busy, picturesque little place, straggling along the edge of its beautiful sheltered harbour, at the mouth of which remains of its ancient castle-fort still stand. It is a fascinating place in which to spend a holiday, warm and sheltered, with excellent opportunities for sailing or sea or river fishing; and its neighbourhood abounds in pleasant walks and places of interest. [Music and score: “JOHN DORY”] Verse 1. 1st MAN. As it fell on a ho-ly day, And up-on a ho-ly tide-a, John Do-ry bought him an am-bling nag, To Pa-ris for to ride-a, To Pa-ris for to ride-a, And up-on a ho-ly tide.---- As it fell on a ho-ly day, And up-on a ho-ly tide-a, John Do-ry bought him an am-bling nag, To Pa-ris for to ride-a. 2nd MAN. As it fell on a ho-ly day, And up-on a ho-ly tide-a, John Do-ry bought him an am-bling nag, To Pa-ris for to ride-a, To Pa-ris for to ride-a, And up-on a ho-ly tide.---- As It fell on a ho-ly day, And up-on a ho-ly tide-a. 3rd MAN. As it fell on a ho-ly day, And up-on a ho-ly tide-a, John Do-ry bought him an am-bling nag, To Pa-ris for to ride-a, To Pa-ris for to ride-a, And up-on a ho-ly tide.---- * * * * *