This is included
under #1 in the Child cannon (Riddles Wisely Expounded). It is almost
identical to #1A (Child (1882-1898)CPB, vol I, pp3-4).
Regarding the text, Bruce and Stokoe say it "was communicated
to the "Local Historian's Table Book" by Mr. J. H. Dixon, who found it
in the Bodleian Library Collection of Ballads, in a folio printed in
the reign of Charles II.; it also occurs in D'urfey's "Wit and Mirth",
1699, and in Jamieson's "Popular Songs and Ballads," 1806.". The air is
"from D'Urfey's works, and is supposed to be the original and ancient
tune".
