Steve, thanks for reminding me of the "Siege of Gibralter" version - which I posted to the other thread just a few days ago! It's hard to keep track of all the dates: a chronology might be useful.

Thanks too for the ref. to the NLS chapbook, which I somehow missed. It bears close examination for being the earliest appearance of the familiar form (unlike the "Siege" text). The Library dates it to "1771-1810."

Speaking of Scotland: Motherwell wrote to C. K. Sharpe on Jan. 19, 1825,

"Have you heard any song of which this forms a verse?

         Dree-an-alin had nae breeks to wear;
         He coft a sheep's skin for to mak' him a pair;
         The rough side out and the smooth side in,
         I'm gallantly mounted, quo' Dreeanalin.

"It seems to be somewhat like the song of 'Tamalin.'"