Classic Poem

As three maidens played at ball
Aye & the lily aye
There came three knights among them all
& the roseys sweet in may

The first gay knight was cloathed in green
Aye &c &c
& he asked one maid to be his queen
& &c

The next good knight was cloathed in white
& he asked the maid to be his bride

The next good [k]night was cloathed in red
& he asked the maid if she woud wed

O you must ask my father dear
Likwise my mother that did me bare

& you must ask my brother John
Likwise my sisters every one

O I have asked your father dear
Likewise your mother that did you bear

O I have asked your brother John
Likewise your sisters every one

Her father gave her at the door
Her mother swooned upon the floor

Her father gave her at the stile
& her mother swoonded for her child

Her father gave her at the cross
& her brother helped her on the horse

He had a penknife long & sharp
& prickt his sister to the heart

Ride on ride on you first good man
I think your bride looks pale & wan

Ride on ride on you next good man
I think your bride goes bleeding on

Ride on ride on you jolly bride groom
I think your bride is almost dumb

She rode till she came to yonder hill
& there she lit & made her will

What will you leave your father dear
My wedding steed that brought me here

What will you give your mother dear
My wedding dress «to wipe her tear»

That she may lay upon the grass
& see she has a daughter less

What will you leave your sister ann
All I do wear on my right hand

What will you give your sister Jane
My cambric cap & gown of green

What will you give your sister Sue
My wedding hat with ribbons blue

What will you give your brother Johns wife
Sorrow & trouble all her life

What will you give your brother Johns child
A father only a little wild

What will you give your brother John
A gallows mother to hang upon