Interesting already! De V Renwick cites specific ballads in support of his various assertions about the various qualities and characteristics of servants as depicted in Child's collection. I think he is tongue in cheek, given his conclusions. But can we cite specific songs featuring servants?

Re Stanron's point: Interesting, and I agree up to a point, but maybe much depends upon what you mean by 'servant', as my thinking is that some in the service of a Norman Lord might be sons of other Norman Lords.

Generally, What might one say about a ballad where two servants seem to have different ideas on what's the right thing to do Eg Child Ballad 83 E? The messenger and the nurse being the two characters in question. This is one mentioned by De V Renwick.

http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/eng/child/ch083.htm