FORWARD THE Fool of the traditional Morris Dance, Sword Dance and Folk Play still found in parts of England & on the Continent, was not always a fool. It could well have been because earlier beliefs were driven under- ground that he thought fit to dress and be- have as he did. Thus by appearing to make fun of what he held sacred, supported by characters who often disguised not only their faces but their real names and funct- ions, something of his message was able magically to survive. Not that the modern Morris Fool is necessarily aware of this interpretation or that he would accept it if he were. The Morris/Sword Dance & Mummers' Play of Today offer simply a spectacle of dance skill with comic relief, and comic drama. The former differs from true folk dancing though it may now be regarded as [See next page]