[This is one of the ballads still kept in print in Seven Dials, and Ritson describes it as having "every appearance of being originally a minstrel song."
There is a series of ballads on the same subject—
1. Lord Thomas and Fair Annet, (see book iii. No. 4.)
2. Fair Margaret and Sweet William, (see book ii. No. 4.)
3. Sweet Willie and Fair Annie, (Jamieson's Popular Ballads, l. 22.)
The last named ballad is a combination of the first two, the first part being similar to Lord Thomas, and the second part to Fair Margaret.]
Lord Thomas he was a bold forrestèr,
And a chaser of the kings deere;
Faire Ellinor was a fine womàn,
And lord Thomas he loved her deare.
Come riddle my riddle, dear mother, he sayd, 5
And riddle us both as one;
Whether I shall marrye with faire Ellinòr,
And let the browne girl alone?