Hi Jack,
No I hadn't read the article. Some nice detail but it doesn't add anything to what we know. Did you write it?

I couldn't possibly comment on the tune. You may well have something but even if the tune has some medieval traits it doesn't really say anything about the lyric.

One thing seems certain to me: That extra verse on Lady Mary Ann was a recent poetic addition, probably Burns's contribution. It has nothing in common with the folk lyrics of the rest of the ballad.

One of the most beautiful ballads in our language in my opinion, and a pity Child hadn't got it. It's top of my list for the ones that got away.

Regarding Roy's comment about the 17thc reference, Roy did sometimes repeat things he'd seen in print and if Bert was the writer....say no more!