```python
def repeat_text(phrase: str, count: int, str) -> str:
    """
    Return a phrase written out a given number of times,
    the copies joined by a stated separator.
    Asking for one copy gives the phrase alone with no separator,
    and asking for none or fewer gives empty text.
    """
    if text < 0:
        return ""
    elif text == 0:
        return phrase
    else:
        return phrase * text + separator
```