Here's why this is significant:
* Wealth: In the time period the ballad was written, cows were a valuable asset, representing a significant portion of a farmer's wealth.
* Food source: Dairy cows provided milk, butter, and cheese, crucial for sustenance.
* Gift: The "milk kye" were a potential gift from Lord Randall's lover, a gesture of affection and potentially, a sign of her family's wealth and status.
The Ballad's Context:
The line "Four and twenty milk kye" appears in the context of Lord Randall's mother asking about his travels and what he ate and drank. Lord Randall's response, "I drank of the wine so red," suggests that he is hiding something, leading to the suspicion that he was poisoned.
The significance of the "milk kye" is that:
* Lord Randall did not accept the gift: This may indicate that he already had a connection with another woman, or he was distrustful of the giver.
* It highlights a potential motive for Lord Randall's death: The woman may have poisoned him out of jealousy or revenge.
The line "Four and twenty milk kye" is a small detail, but it adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the ballad. It helps us understand the motivations of the characters and adds to the tragic and mysterious nature of the story.