I I went . . to the mountain Where the maiden sits, with her bow Amidst . . the groves of cyprus I begged her, for to know II I said maiden . Will you tell me? What is on my woman's mind? Can I slay a . boar or harpy To put our suff'ring behind? III She laughed . . and left me standing Wond'ring what, I could have said And to . . my shame demanding I hung my weeping head I I went . . to the mountain Where the mother sat and wove With kids . . cooing and crying And a pot, hot on the stove II I said mother . Can you tell me? Why my woman scorns me so Can I bring her a fleece or a . flying steed So that she'll let me know III She smiled and turned to her children Calling each of them to heel She, too ignored my question But shared with me their meal I I went . . to the mountain To beseech the grizzled crone Who sits . . with snakes and mushrooms In a grey old shack, alone II I said crone . . Can you tell me? Why my woman shames me so Though I speak, clear and loud, I feel shamed and not proud, I'd kill titan, or hydra to know III She cackled . . and then said to me In words so clear and sharp Did you try . . asking directly Before this journey's start? [instrumental outro] I C Eb / Ab C / C Eb / Ab C / II Ab Bb / C - / Ab Bb / C - / III Eb C / Ab Bb C - / Eb C / Ab Bb C - /