Just a note of sincere thanks for the help, and especially for Sarah T.'s very timely reminder of True Thomas, one of my true favorites. The reminiscence, such as it is, (part 6 of a series) is posted at http://www.stephaniepiro.com/fc290.htm   It's not quite how it was first envisaged, but such stories never are. I hope no-one is offended by using ballads in this kind of setting, but think of it as giving them fresh signigicance and reaching a new audience.