A version from Sharp, English songs, in the DT

A note in Sam Henry's Songs of the People, p. 395, along with seven verses:
"The song was sung by Mrs Fitzwilliam in Buckstone's play "The Green Bushes (1845) and it was published in Duncombe's "Musical Casket" and other collections at the time. Since then, the words often have been credited to J. B. Buckstone, with the music composed by E. F. Fitzwilliam, but we can presume that it was traditional long before it was used by Buckstone." Other titles- "Down by the..." and "False Lovers." No evidence is given for its traditional origin.

The first reference in The Traditional Ballad Index is to Buckstone's play, but their coverage is limited.

The Bodleian Library has a broadsheet which they date ca. 1813-1838, printed in London, called "Sweet William," which has the tune "Green Rushes." Firth c.13(10).