Note 28 — X BOOTS, SHOES, AND OTHER COVERINGS FOR THE FEET
Reading edition
Thomas Deloney's "booke called the Gentle Crafte, intreating of Showmakers," tells how Crispin and Crispianus, sons of King Logrid of Britain and of Queen Estreda, were sheltered at Faversham, Kent. Crispin wooed and married Princess Ursula, whose son was born in the shoemaker's house. Hence the saying, "A shoemaker's son is born a Prince." From their high lineage, shoemaking is named "The Gentle Craft."
"I am of Crispin's trade, a brave Shooemaker, He loved a Princess dear, and ne'r forsak't her.... This craft was never held in scorn, Sir Thomas Eyer did it adorn, A Shoemaker's son a Prince is born."
Roxburghe Ballads.