Here are some potential messages:
* The Dangers of Greed and Deception: The Abbot is greedy and tries to deceive the King, ultimately getting caught and punished. This warns against the consequences of dishonesty and excessive ambition.
* The Importance of Justice: King John is a powerful figure, but he ultimately holds the Abbot accountable for his actions. The ballad suggests that even powerful figures can be brought to justice for their transgressions.
* The Power of Cleverness: The Abbot is very clever, using his wits to try to avoid the King's demands. His intelligence and cunning ultimately fail him, but the ballad celebrates this cleverness.
* Social Commentary: The story can be seen as a commentary on the relationship between the church and the monarchy, highlighting their power struggles and the potential for corruption within both institutions.
Ultimately, the main idea you take away from the ballad depends on your own perspective and what you choose to focus on. It's a story that can be enjoyed on multiple levels, and different readers will find different messages within it.