The Riddling Knight
This ancient story is told in a song - a duet to be precise.
A knight calls on a house where three sisters live. One of them, Nelly, falls in love with the Knight and wants them to marry. He agrees provided that she can answer three riddles.
The tune is the same as Scarborough Fair which was made famous by Simon and Garfunkel. Paul Simon learned it from Martin Carthy.
But the ballad is actually much older. It can be traced back through the Elfin Knight of the Childe Ballads. A fuller history is here. We have based our song on a version that started to appear in Victorian times.
The Part of Nelly is sung by Jana Elizabeth
The Part of the Knight is sung by Richard Scott
The Guitar is played by Andy Kinnear (many thanks to Andy for his patience and help).
Produced by Bertie, Jana and Andy.
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley Sage, Rosemary and Thyme
Once there was a true love of mine.
Fa la la la, fa la la la ra re
THERE were three sisters fair and bright,
Jennifer, Nelly and Rosemaree
They three loved one valiant knight.
As the dew clings to the mulberry tree
He knocked at the ladies’ gate
One evening when it was late.
The eldest sister let him in,
Barred the door with a silver pin.
The second sister made his bed,
Placed soft pillows under his head.
Now the youngest spoke boldly
‘I pray, sir knight, will you marry me?’
‘Come, pretty Nelly, sit down by me,
Every rose grows merry with time
If you answer these questions three,
Thou wilt be a true love of mine.’
‘Kind sir, with love, O then,’ quoth she,
Tell me what your questions be?
‘What is greener than the grass? What is blacker than thy night?
‘Envy is greener than the grass” Evil’s heart is blacker than night.
'What is louder than a horn? What is sharper than a thorn?
'Thunder is louder than a horn. Hunger is sharper than a thorn.'
'What is broader than the way? What is deeper than the sea?'
'Love is broader than the way? Love is deeper than the sea.'
After all was verified,
Made of her his lovely bride.
( together )
So now, fair maidens all, adieu,
This song I dedicate to you.
Are you going to Scarborough Fair?
Parsley Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,
Once there was a true love of mine.
Fa la la la, fa la la la ra re