It is fascinating to trace the chain of transmission of a song through the folk revival. Ed Trickett learned this lovely and gentle version of Child Ballad #1 from Joanie Bronfman and Neal MacMillen, who in turn learned it from Peter and Mary Alice Amidon. The Amidons heard the song from Ricky Rackin, who heard it from English musician and instrument builder Stefan Sobell. This particular version comes from Cornwall. in the west of England, and was first printed in Gilbert's Christmas Carols in 1823. (Caroline Paton )
There were three sisters, fair and
bright,
Jennifer Gentle Fair Rosie Marie,
Wanted to wed with a valiant knight,
As the dew flies over the mulberry
tree.
The eldest sister took him in,
Also bolted the silver pin.
The second sister made his bed;
Placed the pillow right under his
head.
But the youngest sister, fair and
bright,
Wanted to wed with the valiant knight.
Well, if you will answer my questions
three,
Then, fair maid, I would marry thee.
Oh, what is whiter than the milk?
What is softer than the silk?
Oh, snow is whiter than the milk;
Down is softer than the silk.
And what is sharper than the thorn?
What is louder than the horn?
Oh, hunger is sharper than the thorn;
Thunder's louder than the horn.
And what is broader than the way?
What is deeper than the sea?
Oh, love is broader than the way;
Hell is deeper than the sea.
Well, now you've answered my questions
three;
Now, fair maid, I would marry thee.