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.’