"The evidence points to the contrary when we look closely at the evolution of individual ballads over several centuries"
So there is evidence that the song did not exist before the 17 century version
I always thing of the nonsensical 'Craigston' conceit of linking a song to an occurrence that is as old as history itself

Marrowbones 19th century
A folk joke that, again, is as old as time itself and appears in early fableu form

"Jim, please stop talking poppycock."
Dick - stop being so boorishly ill manners, especially when your contribution does not merit it
Jim Carroll