Well though I haven't read everything on this page, all the history and stuff, I know this ballad but in a very different way. My family has carried this ballad on for as long as anyone can remember, along with alot of other ballads like Barbra Allen and Lady Margret, at least that's what we call them. As far as we knew they were as true as could be to the original versions since my family came from the Appalachian mountains where people carried these ballads to. I'm really amazed at how different the versions are-so perhaps my version and the version from the mountains has been very diluted-though these mountains are very secluded and I know for a fact my family didn't leave until the late 70's. Just thought I'd add my opinion. And my family, who still lives up there, sings it the exact same as always. I've never heard any variations, though of course I have never looked for them.
ps-we always sang it as "Lord Darnell"