Lord Thomas and Fair Ellender Jean Ritchie

[Verse 1]
"Oh mother, oh mother, come riddle it down
Come riddle two hearts as one
Say must I marry fair Ellender
Or bring the brown girl home?"
"The brown girl she has house and lands
Fair Ellender she has none
Oh, the best advice I can give you, my son
Is go bring me the brown girl home"

[Verse 2]
He rode till he come to fair Ellender's gate
He tingled the bell with his cane
No one so ready as fair Ellender herself
To arise and bid him come in
"Oh, what's the news, Lord Thomas?" she cried
"What's the news you've brung to me?"
"I've come to ask you to my wedding
Now what do you think of me?"

[Verse 3]
"Oh mother, oh mother, come riddle it down
Come riddle two hearts as one
Oh, must I go to Lord Thomas's wedding
Or stay at home and mourn?"
"Oh, the brown girl she's got business there
You know you have got none
Oh, the best advice I can give you, my daughter
Is to stay at home and mourn"