O mother and father come riddle my riddle Come riddle us both as one Whether I marry fair Ellender Or bring the brown girl home.
"The brown girl she has house and land Fair Ellender she has none Before I changed you with my great blessing Go bring the brown girl home."
He dressed himself in 'mense array This maid in morning-green And every village he rode through They taken him to be some king.
He rode unto fair Ellender's hall He knocked so loud at the ring There was none so ready as fair Ellender herslef To rise and welcome him in.
"O what is the matter Lord Thomas she cried What news have you brought to me. I have come toa sk you to my wedding And I'm sure it's sad news to tall."
Now mother and father come riddle us now Come riddle us both as one Whether I go to Lord Thomas' wedding Or stay with you at home.
There's many that be there that be your friends, There's many may be your foe But little do I care for all of that To Thomas' wedding I'll go.
She dressed herslef in 'mense arrray Her maid in morning green And every village she rode through They taken her to some queen.
She rode unto Lord Thomas' hall So loud she knocked at the ring There was none so ready as Lord Thomas himslef For to rise and welcome her in.
He taken her by her lily white hand And let her through the hall And set her down at the end of the table Above his own bride and all.
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