| 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.' |
| '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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| 'What would you give to your brother John?'
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| 'A rope, and a gallows to hang him on. |