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Three did three Knights come from the west, with the high and the lily |
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oh! |
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And these three Knights courted one ladye, as the rose was so sweetly |
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blown. |
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The first Knight came was all in white, and asked of her is she'd be |
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his delight. |
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The next Knight came was all in green,and asked of her is she'd be his |
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queen. |
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The third Knight came was all in red, and asked of her if she would |
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wed. 'Then have you asked of my father dear? Likewise of her who did me |
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bear? |
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'And have you asked of my brother John? And also of my sister Anne? |
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'Yes, I've asked of your father dear, likewise of her who did you bear. |
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'And I've asked of your sister Anne, but I've not asked of your brother |
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John.' |
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Far on the road as the rode along, there did they meet with her brother |
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John. |
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She stooped low to kiss him sweet, he to her heart did a dagger meet. |
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'Ride on, ride on,' cried the servingman, ',Methinks your bride she |
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looks woundrous wan.' |
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'I wish I were on yonder stile, for there I would sit and bleed awhile. |
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'I wish I were on yonder hill, there I'd alight and make my will.' |
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'What would you give to your father dear?' |
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'The gallant steed which doth me bear.' |
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'What would you give to your mother dear?' |
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'My wedding shift which I do wear.'But she must wash it very clean, for |
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my heart's blood sticks in every seam.' |
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'What would you give to your sister Anne?' |
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'My gay gold ring, and my feathered fan.' |
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'What would you give to your brother John?' |
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'A rope, and a gallows to hang him on. |
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What would you give to your |
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brother John's wife?' |
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'A widow's weeds, and a quiet life.' |