Gilbert's Christmas Carols, 2d ed., p. 65, from the editor's
recollection. West of England.
| 1 |
There were three sisters fair and bright,
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
And they three loved one valiant knight.
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree |
| 2 |
The eldest sister let him in,
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
And barred the door with a silver pin.
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree |
| 3 |
The second sister made his bed,
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
And placed soft pillows under his head.
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree |
| 4 |
The youngest sister, fair and bright,
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
Was resolved for to wed with this valiant knight.
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree |
| 5 |
'And if you can answer questions three,
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
O then, fair maid, I will marry with thee.
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree |
| 6 |
'What is louder than an horn,
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
And what is sharper than a thorn?
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree |
| 7 |
'Thunder is louder than an horn,
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
And hunger is sharper than a thorn.'
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree |
| 8 |
'What is broader than the way,
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
And what is deeper than the sea?'
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree |
| 9 |
'Love is broader than the way,
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
And hell is deeper than the sea.'
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree |
| |
* * * |
| 10 |
. . .
Jennifer gentle and rosemaree
'And now, fair maid, I will marry with thee.'
As the dew flies over the mulberry tree |
