  IThere were three sisters fair and bright, Jennifer, Gentle and Rosemary, And they three loved one valiant knight— As the dow IIThe eldest sister let him in, And barr’d the door with a silver pin. IIIThe second sister made his bed, And placed soft pillows under his head. IVThe youngest sister that same night Was resolved for to wed wi’ this valiant knight. 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, 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. 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,] Jennifer, Gentle and Rosemary; And now, fair maid, I’ll marry wi’ thee, As the dow flies over the mulberry-tree. FOOTNOTES: |
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