I think in the version I have, by Fairport Convention, the "page" is a woman! How does that change things?

I'm afraid I lean on the society as a whole as being the baddie. The wife apparently had wanted MG far longer than the time frame of the song. It seems in some versions she went to the church with the intention of bringing someone home. Some may argue that she had that right because that was surely what Lord Arnold was doing but does it really make it right? She had sworn the oath in church and dedicated her life to his (for whatever reason).

I am of my psotion on extramarital relations because I have never had the opportunity to experience one. My viewpoint changes with the circumstances (sorry, but I am human). If I were unhappily married I would probably take the position that the affair was right and proper. In any event it was society that was wrong at the time. All players in this tragedy played according to their roles in society as pointed out above.

As for "when she instigates, he's an idiot, and when he instigates, that she's weak." I would beg to differ. You give any man the opportunity to bed an attractive woman and you will, at the very least, induce such an internal struggle that you should fear for his sanity. The male of this species will follow the dictates of his hormones first and foremost. If he is really strong he will be able to overcome those dictates. If he is weak he will fall (into bed).