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There was a lady of the North
countrie, Lay the bent to the bonny broom And she had lovely daughters three, Fal la la la la la la la re. There was knight of noble worth, Lay the bent, &c., Who also lived in the North. Fal la la la. &c., This knight was of courage stout and brave, Nothing but love could his heart enslave. This knight he knockt at the lady's gate, One evening when it was full late. The eldest sister let him in, And pinned the door with a silver pin. The second sister she made his bed, And laid soft pillows under his head. The youngest sister fair and bright, Was resolved to wed this valiant knight. And in the morning, when it was day, These words unto him she did say: "Now (as I love you well)" quoth she, "I pray, Sir Knight, will you marry me?" The young brave knight to her replied— "Thy suit, fair maid, shall not be denied. "If thou canst answer me questions three, This very day will I marry thee." "Kind sir, in love, O then," quoth she, "Tell me what your questions be." "O what is longer than the way, Or what is deeper than the sea? "Or what is louder than the horn, Or what is sharper than a thorn? "Or what is greener than the grass, Or what is worse than a woman e'er was?" "O true love is longer than the way, And hell is deeper than the sea. "And thunder is louder than the horn, And hunger is sharper than a thorn. "And poison is greener than the grass, And the Devil is worse than woman e'er was." When she these questions answered had, The knight became exceeding glad. And having tried so hard her wit, He much commended her for it. And after it was verified, He made of her his lovely bride. Now, fair maidens, all adieu, This song I dedicate to you; I wish that you may constant prove To the men that you do love. |