The young knight
had surprised her
as she went
for water at the well
and being naked
beneath her smock
she had to think
of something quickly
for he'd been quick
to ask her
for her hand

Roses she told him
bring three roses
freshly blooming
on this year's stems
just that
and I'll consent
to marry you

The youth rode off
it was the dead of winter
not a rose in bloom
but he soon found
an artist who agreed
to paint three roses
in full blooming
on fresh green stems
he paid the artist
took the roses back

Oh no she said
I wasn't serious
oh but I was
the youth replied
and took you at your word
so now you must
do as you promised
and you alone will have
my heart forever

And here the ballad ends
one likes to think
the girl came round
charmed by his cleverness
and promise of lifelong devotion
but all that
is left to our imaginings