| |
I
THERE were three sisters fair and bright, | |
| Jennifer, Gentle and Rosemary, | |
| And they three loved one valiant knight— | |
| As the dow flies over the mulberry-tree. | |
| |
II
The eldest sister let him in, | 5 |
| And barr’d the door with a silver pin. | |
| |
III
The second sister made his bed, | |
| And placed soft pillows under his head. | |
| |
IV
The youngest sister that same night | |
| Was resolved for to wed wi’ this valiant knight. | 10 |
| |
V
‘And if you can answer questions three, | |
| O then, fair maid, I’ll marry wi’ thee. | |
| |
VI
‘O what is louder nor a horn, | |
| Or what is sharper nor a thorn? | |
| |
VII
‘Or what is heavier nor the lead, | 15 |
| Or what is better nor the bread? | |
| |
VIII
‘Or what is longer nor the way, | |
| Or what is deeper nor the sea?’— | |
| |
IX
‘O shame is louder nor a horn, | |
| And hunger is sharper nor a thorn. | 20 |
| |
X
‘O sin is heavier nor the lead, | |
| The blessing’s better nor the bread. | |
| |
XI
‘O the wind is longer nor the way | |
| And love is deeper nor the sea.’ | |
| |
XII
[‘You have answer’d aright my questions three,] | 25 |
| Jennifer, Gentle and Rosemary; | |
| And now, fair maid, I’ll marry wi’ thee, | |
| As the dow flies over the mulberry-tree. | |
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