Pretty Mays and Knights So Bold
The Noble Riddle
“If thou canst answer me questions three,
This very day will I marry thee.”
“Kind sir, in love, O then,” quoth she,
“Tell me what your three questions be.”
“O what is longer than the way,
Or what is deeper than the sea?
“Or what is louder than the horn,
Or what is sharper than a thorn?
“Or what is greener than the grass,
Or what is worse than a woman was?”
“O love is longer than the way,
And hell is deeper than the sea.
“And thunder is louder than the horn,
And hunger is sharper than a thorn.
“And poyson is greener than the grass,
And the Devil is worse than woman was.”
When she these questions answered had,
The knight became exceeding glad.
And having truly try’d her wit,
He much commended her for it.
And after, as it is verifi’d,
He made of her his lovely bride.
So now, fair maidens all, adieu,
This song I dedicate to you.
I wish that you may constant prove
Vnto the man that you do love.