That's a wonderful story Ian, which ought to be true!

Ken Stubbs remarked on the similarity to the song Through the Groves sung by Pop Maynard but so far as I know he didn't record or publish it. A recording by Brian Matthews made in 1961 appears on the Musical Traditions CD MTCD 400-401 Pop Maynard 'down the Cherry Tree'. This is my attempt at transcribing the words:-

Through the Groves

Through the groves as I was walking
Early on one summer morn,         
There I beheld the most fair pretty damsel,
Lamenting for her shepherd boy.   

Dearest Annie, shall I ever see you again
Sweet lass I fear?                        
For I'm going to fight the French and Spaniard
Canst thou spare me thus my dear?

Never more to the banks shall I take me
Isn't it a pleasure for to see those lambs.
So charming and so innocent
Sporting by their fleecy dams.