The English and Scottish Popular Ballads Edited by Francis James Child. |
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The English and Scottish Popular Ballads | ||
The Three Sisters
RIDDLES WISELY EXPOUNDED—B
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.’
10
[OMITTED]‘And now, fair maid, I will marry with thee.’
The English and Scottish Popular Ballads | ||