| |
| THERE were three ladies lived in a bower, | |
| Eh vow bonnie | |
| And they went out to pull a flower, | |
| On the bonnie banks o Fordie | |
| |
| They hadna pu’ed a flower but ane, | 5 |
| When up started to them a banisht man. | |
| |
| He’s taen the first sister by her hand, | |
| And he’s turned her round and made her stand. | |
| |
| “It’s whether will ye be a rank robber’s wife, | |
| Or will ye die by my wee pen-knife?” | 10 |
| |
| “It’s I’ll not be a rank robber’s wife, | |
| But I’ll rather die by your wee pen-knife.” | |
| |
| He’s killed this may, and he’s laid her by, | |
| For to bear the red rose company. | |
| |
| He’s taken the second ane by the hand, | 15 |
| And he’s turned her round and made her stand. | |
| |
| “It’s whether will ye be a rank robber’s wife, | |
| Or will ye die by my wee pen-knife?” | |
| |
| “I’ll not be a rank robber’s wife, | |
| But I’ll rather die by your wee pen-knife.” | 20 |
| |
| He’s killed this may, and he’s laid her by, | |
| For to bear the red rose company. | |
| |
| He’s taken the youngest ane by the hand, | |
| And he’s turned her round and made her stand. | |
| |
| Says, “Will ye be a rank robber’s wife, | 25 |
| Or will ye die by my wee pen-knife?” | |
| |
| “I’ll not be a rank robber’s wife, | |
| Nor will I die by your wee pen-knife. | |
| |
| “For I hae a brother in this wood, | |
| And gin ye kill me, it’s he’ll kill thee.” | 30 |
| |
| “What’s thy brother’s name? come tell to me.” | |
| “My brother’s name is Baby Lon.” | |
| |
| “O sister, sister, what have I done! | |
| O have I done this ill to thee! | |
| |
| “O since I’ve done this evil deed, | 35 |
| Good sall 1 never be seen o me.” | |
| |
| He’s taken out his wee pen-knife, | |
| And he’s twyned 2 himsel o his ain sweet life. | |
