The Mountain Streams Where the Moorcocks Crow

Source: The Stone Fiddle by Paddy Tunney

Location: New Edition, page 26 / 27

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With my dog and gun through the blooming heather

To seek for pastime I took my way.

Where I espied a lovely fair one,

Her charms invited me a while to stay.

I said “My darling, your will find I love you.

Tell me your dwelling and your name also.”

“Excuse my name and you’ll find my dwelling near

The mountain streams where the moorcocks crow.”

I said: “My darling, if you’ll wed a rover,

My former raking I will leave aside.

Here is my hand and I pledge my honour,

If you prove constant, I’ll make you my bride.”

“If my parents knew that I loved a rover,

Great affliction I would undergo.

I’ll stop at home for another season near

The mountain streams where the moorcocks crow.”

“If my parents knew that I loved a rover,

They would tie me down with strong iron bands,

And in a dungeon, they would confine me

Where is no comfort of any kind.

Now I’ll away and acquaint my parents.

I hope my absence will not prove a blow.

I’m happy here though I may be courted from

The mountain streams where the moorcocks crow.”

“Then farewell darling for another season.

I hope we’ll meet in yon woodland vale.

And when we meet, we’ll embrace each other.

I’ll pay attention to your love-sick tale.

It’s hand in hand we will join together and

I’ll escort you to yon valley low

Where the linnet songs her sweet notes so pleasing near

The mountain streams where the moorcocks crow".

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