Lord Thomas And Fair Ellender

(album: Unfinished Business - 2017)

Oh, father, oh father, come riddle to me
Come riddle it all as one
And tell me whether to marry Fair Ellen
Or bring the brown girl home?

The brown girl she has house and land
Fair Ellender she has none
So therefore I charge you with my blessing
Go bring the brown girl home'

He got on his horse and he rode and he rode
He rode 'til he came to her hall
And no one so ready as Fair Ellen herself
To rise and welcome him in

What news have you brought unto me, Lord Thomas?
What news have you brought unto me?
I've come to ask you to my wedding
A sorrowful wedding to be'

Oh mother, dear mother, should I go, should I stay?'
Fair child, do as you please
But I'm afraid if you go you'll never return
To see your mother any more

She turned around all dressed in white
Her sisters dressed in green
And every town that they rode through
They took her to be some queen

They rode and they rode 'til they came to the hall
She pulled on the bell and it rang
And no one so ready as Lord Thomas himself
To rise and welcome her in

Then taking Fair Ellender by the hand
And leading her through the hall
Saying 'fifty gay ladies are here today
But here is the flower of all'

The brown girl she was standing by
With knives ground keen and sharp
And between the long ribs and the short
She pierced Fair Ellender's heart

Lord Thomas he was standing by
With knives ground keen and sharp
And between the long ribs and the short
He pierced his own bride's heart

Then placing the handle against the wall
The point against his breast
Saying, this is the ending of three true lovers
God sends us all to rest'

Oh father, oh father, go dig my grave
Go dig it large, wide and deep
And place Fair Ellender in my arms
And the brown girl at my feet