"Also feeling inclined to get a copy of Wells' book."
I don't know how involved in folk song you are; can I just reiterate that the book has flaws (Aberdeenshire has moved into the Scots Borders somehow).
It is an excellent introduction to the 'feel' of the ballads (it added immensely to my love of them)   
Two other authors, Madge Elder (Ballad Country) and Willa Muir (Living With Ballads), do the same job but not in as much detail

"my attempt at feeble humour."
Just making sure Dick !!!
Everybody knows your song is from the Elizabethan tragedy; in full, it should read, "What's it all about Malfi"
Jim