THE THREE BRIGANDS.
Reading edition
Always ranging night and day,
The three brigands bold
Are seeking their prey,
In the forest old.
In the forest old they meet a Greek,
And the Greek they slay,
From his full wagon
Bear booty away.
Always ranging on the way,
The three brigands bold
Reach a roadside tavern's
Sheltering fold.
One cries aloud, "Ho, landlady gay,
Bring in your good wine."
"My daughter shall serve,
And I too am fine."
They eat and drink,
The three brigands bold,
But the youngest thief
Sits pallid and cold,
To himself he says, "My cradle should
A coffin have made.
My infant linen
For a shroud been laid,
And my swaddling cord
My body swayed."