The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #143842 Message #3330305
Posted By: Steve Gardham
28-Mar-12 - 05:32 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Child Ballads in 18th c. America?
Subject: RE: Origins: Child Ballads in 18th c. America?
281
A 17th century ballad 'The Contriving lover, or The Fortunate Mistake' tells exactly the same story so there's the probable inspiration.
The earliest version I have is on a garland with no imprint in the BL but probably Robertson of Glasgow, c1800 titled 'The Blue Curtain'. It has 6 double stanzas.