This is the oldest "Gown of Green " song that I have been able to find in the Bodleian Library ....................

Printers: Brooksby, P. (London); Deacon, J. (London); Blare, J.                (London); Back, J. (London)

Date:    between 1683 and 1696
   
Imprint: Printed for P. Brooksby, J. Deacon, J. Blare, and J. Back.          License note: Licensed according to Order
         Illus. Ballads on sheet: 1
   
            
Copies: Douce Ballads 2(205b)
   
Ballads: 1. The shepherd's ingenuity: or, The praise of the green             gown ("Amongst the pleasant shady bowers ...")
             To the tune of: The two entire lovers
             Subject: Pastoral



The Shepherds Ingenuity or In Praise of the Green Gown