Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)/Chevy Chase

CHEVY CHASE, the name of a celebrated British Border ballad, which is probably founded on some actual encounter which took place between its heroes, Percy and Douglas, although the incidents mentioned in it are not historical. There are two versions of the ballad bearing the name of "Chevy Chase," an older one, originally called "The Hunting of the Cheviot," and a more modern one. From the fact that the older version is mentioned in the "Complaynt of Scotland," written in 1548, it is clear that it was known in Scotland before that time. The age of the more modern version is believed to be not later than the reign of Charles II. This is the version which forms the subject of the critique by Addison in Nos. 70 and 74 of the "Spectator."