A lot has been said on the subject of this old and very widespread song, and many texts posted here, since this elderly thread was last active two years ago. Here are links to two texts in the DT, of the 14th or 15th century, which are clearly related; to the extent, in the first example, of having phrases in common with traditional versions recovered in the 20th century.

THE FALSE FOX
THE FOX AND THE GOOSE

These files, and other past discussions of this song family, also contain links to still further discussions; in which a large number of versions, both with and without helpful attribution, have been posted.

Perhaps it's time for a DTStudy thread to pull all this stuff together (no, I'm not volunteering!)