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The English and Scottish Popular Ballads

Edited by Francis James Child.

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The Three Sisters

RIDDLES WISELY EXPOUNDED—B

[_]

Gilbert's Christmas Carols, 2d ed., p. 65, from the editor's recollection. West of England.

1

There were three sisters fair and bright,
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
And they three loved one valiant knight.
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree

2

The eldest sister let him in,
And barred the door with a silver pin.

3

The second sister made his bed,
And placed soft pillows under his head.

4

The youngest sister, fair and bright,
Was resolved for to wed with this valiant knight.

5

‘And if you can answer questions three,
O then, fair maid, I will marry with thee.

6

‘What is louder than an horn,
And what is sharper than a thorn?

7

‘Thunder is louder than an horn,
And hunger is sharper than a thorn.’

8

‘What is broader than the way,
And what is deeper than the sea?’

9

‘Love is broader than the way,
And hell is deeper than the sea.’
[OMITTED]

10

[OMITTED]
‘And now, fair maid, I will marry with thee.’