A Spinster's Stint

Lore: None Arrangement: Arrangements vary. Usually, the vocalist is accompanied by harp, liltrum, or trill. Range: Soprano or Alto Attribution: Traditional Folk Notes: None

Lyrics: Six skeins and three, six skeins and three Good mother, so you stinted me And here they be, - aye, six skeins and three.

Stop, busy wheel! Stop, noisy wheel! Long shadows down my chamber steel, And warn me to make haste and reel.

'Tis done - the spinning work complete, Oh heart of mine, what makes you beat So fast and sweet, so fast and sweet.

I must have wheat and pinks, to stick My hat from brim to ribbon, thick - Slow hands of mine, be quick, be quick!

One, two, three stars along the skies Begin to wink their golden eyes, - I'll leave my thread, all knots and ties.

Oh moon so red! Oh moon so red! Sweetheart of night, go straight to bed Love's Light will answer in your stead.

A-tiptoe, beckoning me he stands, - Stop trembling, little foolish hands, And stop the bands! Stop the bands!