Three Systers

Three sisters

Came to me last night

Last night

They said: There's a boat

On the shore

A gas lantern and one oar

For your trip

Go home

And tell your mother don't

Don't weep for me

Leave everything you have there

For beasts of the field and birds of the air

To trample and steal

Three sisters

Tell me what you're called

You're named by men

Want of love

Said the first

The most noble aim on Earth

And I am known by all

Want of wealth

Said the next

So your work's not meaningless

And I am loved by most

Want of none

Said the third

As her sisters' faces turned

And they seemed to forget me

With one of us

You must sail

It's always been and always will

Though no one's ever told you

My mother lived alone

So I have no need of love

And I have no wish to conquer man

I see no need for needy friends

The sisters laughed

There's truly nothing that you need

You won't miss us when we leave

And I had cast them out

To the boat I was led

As we approached, I turned and said

I need some oil

I said: To light the lamp

I need some oil

To steer the boat I need two oars

The sisters said: Money can buy you oil

And a friend can man an oar