The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #163685   Message #3908787
Posted By: Steve Gardham
01-Mar-18 - 10:32 AM
Thread Name: Origins: James Madison Carpenter & Child Ballads
Subject: RE: Origins: James Madison Carpenter & Child Ballads
It is interesting to note that in both Stephens' and Nicol's versions 'questions 3' is mentioned whereas in both cases there are 4 tasks at least. These incremental list songs are prone to addition or fluctuation in oral tradition.

In the likely original he sets only 2 tasks (or 2 stanzas) and she replies with 6.