The melody and dance instructions first appear in John Playford's The English Dancing Master, 2nd Supplement to the 3rd edition (1665). Chappell set the tune in E flat major although most modern versions are in 'G'. The tune appears in many works, including Porter's play The Villain (1663), Merry Drollery Complete (1670), The New Academy of Compliments, Musick's Delight on the Cithern (1666), and Apollo's Banquet (1670). A popular tune, it was used following the convention of the period as the vehicle for numerous 18th century ballads, according to Chappell, including "The Coy Shepherdess; or Phillis and Amintas" (Roxburghe Collection) "'Love in the blossom' or 'Fancy in the bud'" (Roxburghe); "Fancy's Freedom' or 'True Lovers' Bliss'" (Roxburghe); "'The True Lovers' Happiness' or 'Nothing venture, nothing have, &c'" (Douce Collection/Roxburghe): "The Cotsall (Cotswold) Shepherds" (Folly in Print, or a Book of Rhymes {1667}); "The Virgin's Constancy" (Pepys Collection).