Gilbert's Ancient Christmas Carols, 2d ed., p. 68, as remembered by the editor. West of England.
1
There did three knights come from the west,
With the high and the lily oh
And these three knights courted one lady.
As the rose was so sweetly blown
2
The first knight came was all in white,
And asked of her, if she'd be his delight.
3
The next knight came was all in green,
And asked of her, if she'd be his queen.
4
The third knight came was all in red,
And asked of her, if she would wed.
5
'Then have you asked of my father dear,
Likewise of her who did me bear?
6
'And have you asked of my brother John?
And also of my sister Anne?'
7
'Yes, I have asked of your father dear,
Likewise of her who did you bear.
8
'And I have asked of your sister Anne,
But I've not asked of your brother John.'
9
Far on the road as they rode along,
There did they meet with her brother John.