The Three Brigands

Always ranging night and day,

The three brigands bold

Are seeking their prey,

In the forest old.

In the forest old they meet a Greek,

And the Greek they slay,

From his full wagon

Bear booty away.

Always ranging on the way,

The three brigands bold

Reach a roadside tavern’s

Sheltering fold.

One cries aloud, “Ho, landlady gay,

Bring in your good wine.”

“My daughter shall serve,

And I too am fine.”

They eat and drink,

The three brigands bold,

But the youngest thief

Sits pallid and cold,

To himself he says, “My cradle should

A coffin have made.

My infant linen

For a shroud been laid,

And my swaddling cord

My body swayed.”