AKA: Noble Riddles Wisely Expounded
Type: Ballad
Origin: 1450s, England, UK
You must answer my questions nine
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
Or you're not God's you're one of mine
And who will be the weaver's bonny?
You must answer my questions nine
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
Or I'll drag you off to hell alive
And who will be the weaver's bonny?
What is whiter than the milk?
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
And what is whiter than the silk,
And who is the weaver's bonny?
Snow is whiter than the milk
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
And softer than the silk
And I am the weaver's bonny
What is higher than a tree
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
And what is deeper than the sea
And who is the weaver's bonny?
Heaven is higher than a tree
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
And hell is deeper than the sea
And I am the weaver's bonny
What is louder than a horn
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
And what is sharper than a thorn
And who is the weaver's bonny?
Thunder is louder than a horn
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
And hunger is sharper than a thorn
And I am the weaver's bonny
What's more innocent than a lamb
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
And what is meaner than womankind
And who is the weaver's bonny?
A babe's more innocent than a lamb
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
And the devil is meaner than womankind
And I am the weaver's bonny
You have answered my questions nine
Sing ninety-nine and ninety
You are God's and not one of mine
And you are the weaver's bonny
