Hello Tootler

Yes I agree with you, though maybe this should be in another thread?

It says in the Bishop and Roud New Penguin Book of English Folk songs that Buck's Elegy is the oldest written version, and they say between 1790 and 1810. Does your book give a printer or place of printing?

I am guessing that the word 'Buck' - meaning fashionable Dandy - may help them to date the song?

Also, for me, the word 'elegy'is interesting. It strikes me as a word, perhaps, likely to be used by somebody educated, possibly familiar with poetry.