I think that the song may well be older! If the guy was a nobleman, would he be calling in secret, or would the parents perhaps welcome him, not knowing he was an early conman. He is often seen at the bedroom window, persuading the lady to elope with him - more suggestive of someone of a lower social standing than the 'bride'?
An interesting twist to the incompatible social rank is found in the 'Royal Forester' song, where the whole story seems to indicate that he is a nobelman forced to marry a commoner, but it turns out that it is all a set-up, she is an Earl's daughter, outranking him, and that the 'shotgun wedding' was the only way they had to overcome the barriers!
PS I like Nic Jones' version, now sadly unavailable.

Thanks for the link.