##. And a wealthy wife was she;She had three stout and stalwart sons, And sent them oer the sea.
##. A week but barely ane,Whan word came to the carline wife That her three sons were gane.
##. A week but barely three,Whan word came to the carlin wife That her sons she 'd never see.
##. Nor fashes in the flood,Till my three sons come hame to me, In earthly flesh and blood.."
##. When nights are lang and mirk.The carlin wife's three sons came hame, And their hats were o the birk.
##. Nor yet in ony sheugh;But at the gates o Paradise, That birk grew fair eneugh.
##. Bring water from the well;For a' my house shall feast this night, Since my three sons are well.."
##. She 's made it large and wide,And she 's taen her mantle her about, Sat down at the bed-side.
##. And up and crew the gray;The eldest to the youngest said, 'Tis time we were away.
##. And clappd his wings at a',When the youngest to the eldest said, Brother, we must awa.
##. The channerin worm doth chide;Gin we be mist out o our place, A sair pain we maun bide.
##. Fareweel to barn and byre!And fare ye weel, the bonny lass That kindles my mother's fire!."
