Hi,

TY Lighter, another similar read is: Moses Platt and the Regeneration of "Barbara Allen" by Charles Clay Doyle and Charles Greg Kelley;
Western Folklore, Vol. 50, No. 2 (Apr., 1991), pp. 151-169.

I'm going to ask some questions and any help would be appreciated:

What is the motive for Barbara Allen slighting her lover as found in the early print versions (texts posted above)?

What is the young man's defense for slighting her? When has this been introduced into the ballad?

What, in your opinion, is the origin of the name William? It is not found in the early print versions?

Could the ur-ballad, which predates the print versions, have blood letting and gifts which are found in many Irish versions?

Is the rose-briar ending original to this ballad or has it been added? If added, from where?

Are Barbara's parents part of the "slighted" motive? Are these stanzas added on or are they part of an early tradition?

Are their any characteristics that determine early versions- and what are they? (time of year, town name, youth's name etc.)

Is the final "warning" stanza introduced by Percy (Child Bd) in 1765 traditional?

TY

Richie