Traditional English song, written in Early English, from
Thomas Ravenscroft's collection, published in 1611
"There were three Ravens sat on a tree, Downe a downe, hey downe, hey downe.
They were as blacke as blacke could be-with a downe
Then one of them said to his mate,
Where shall we our breakefast take? with a downe derrie, derry, derry, downe, downe
Downe in yonder greene field, downe a downe...
There lies a Knight slain under his shield-with a downe...
His hounds they lie downe at his feete
So well do they their Master keepe-with a downe...
His Hawkes they flie so eagerly, downe a downe...
There's no fowle that dare him come nie. with a downe...
Downe there comes a fallow Doe,
As great with yong as she might go-with a downe ...
She lifted up his bloody head, downe a downe...
And kiss'd his wounds that were so red. with a downe..
She got him up upon her backe
And carried him to earthen lake. with a downe ...
She buried him before the prime, downe a downe...
She was dead her selfe ere even song time - with a downe...
God sent every gentleman,
Such hawkes, such hounds, and such a leman. with a downe
