A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Bonny Boots

BONNY BOOTS. The nickname of a man who appears to have been both a singer and dancer of unequalled ability at the court of Elizabeth, a devoted adherent of the Queen, and—as may be inferred from the style in which he is mentioned in verses published during her lifetime—a personal favourite of hers. He is mentioned in the 9th and 25th Madrigals of the 'Triumphs of Oriana,' a collection of pieces in honour of Elizabeth, published in 1601:—

9. 'Thus Bonny Boots the birthday celebrated
           Of her his lady deerest,
           Fair Oriana which to his hart was nearest.'

25. 'For Bonny Boots that so aloft could fetch it,
      Oh he is dead, and none of us can reach it.'

Also in the 1st and 9th of Morley's Canzonets published in 1607:—

1. 'Fly Love that are so sprightly
    To Bonny Boots uprightly;
    And when in Heaven thou meet him
    Say that I kindly greet him,
    And that his Oriana
    True widow-maid still followeth Diana.'

9. 'Our Bonny Boots could toot it,
           Yea and foot it;
    Say lustie lads who now shall Bonny-Boot it.'

From three of these quotations it is evident that Bonny Boots was dead at the time.

Various conjectures have been made as to his identity. He has been supposed by Hawkins (Hist. chap. 106) to have been a Mr. Hale or Hales, whose singing had pleased the Queen. Also the Earl of Essex, who was beheaded Feb. 25, 1601. But neither identification is anything more than conjecture.