Three Kinsmen Bold

There were three kinsmen bold, and they fell in love with me

The first came up and said, "My love is the Greenwood tree"

Then slowly came he up and kissed my fingertips

"Be though, my love," he said, and boldly kissed my lips

The next all dressed in brown, as glig as a grigg in mirth

Steps up and has his say, "My love is the good red earth"

With wanton kisses free, and love, and laughter gay

"I'll take thee for my bride, and dance 'til the break of day"

The third was dressed in grey, and sober in mien was he

Full measured words he spoke, "My love is the running stream"

He held my trembling heart, and his kiss was deep and cool

"I'll take thee for my bride, my love is the crystal pool"

From out the wood so green, a mortal maid did trip

Each kinsmen held his breath to see her rose-red lips

Then up three hearts did leap, three voices spake as one

"Fair maiden, be my bride, until life's day is done"

Full sadly hangs my head, and woeful is my heart

No lover have I now, since mortal and I must part