Sir Patrick Spens

"Sir Patrick Spens" is a traditional Scottish ballad that explores themes of loyalty, duty, and the tragic consequences of obeying authority. The ballad tells the story of Sir Patrick Spens, a...

The ballad of Sir Patrick Spens is based loosely on events of the thirteenth century, but is not intended as an accurate historical account but instead a literary creation that points to universal...

In "Sir Patrick Spens," Spens does say the words you attribute to him, not the king.  He exhorts his men to set sail.  The men also make the reply that you cite.  They realize the...

"Sir Patrick Spens" is a traditional Scottish ballad that recounts a tragic sea voyage. A Scottish king seeks a skilled sailor to fetch his daughter from Norway, and Sir Patrick Spens is chosen...