a thrice-told tale

now truth becomes what we seek in the green
arrive too late and you have missed the flower
what matters most is what you have not seen

plain facts are told in maner most serene
no lightnings play about a gloomy tower
now truth becomes what we seek in the green

what's honest cannot ever be obscene
but prudes and puritans will always glower
what matters most is what you have not seen

we always have to show respectful mien
to those who could our hopes and loves devour
now truth becomes what we seek in the green

our own desires will matter not a bean
pasts may be sweet but futures may turn sour
what matters most is what you have not seen

the beggar girl must dream of being queen
the slave of days when in his hands lies power
now truth becomes what we seek in the green
what matters most is what you have not seen