Erin The Green
Source: The Stone Fiddle by Paddy Tunney
Location: New Edition, page 50 / 51
Too long we’ve been weeping, where hedges are dreeping
The strength of our cellar, the clear winding stream.
One night in my slumber, ad I lay a-sleeping,
Napoleon appeared to me in a dream.
Saying: “Rise up my friends from the clouds of destruction
That Erin lay under for many’s a long year.
For religion you have suffered great shame and scorn,
But now for the future, brave boys “do not fear.”
Refrain:
On the shores we did stand, where Napoleon did land
For he was the hero we longed for I ween.
The bells of the chapel resounded a ditty
To welcome Napoleon to Erin the Green:
Over hills and deep valleys, from mountains - out allies,
The bells of old abbeys with joy they did peal.
The Three Waves they thundered, as we stood and wondered
And longed for a hero like Eoghan O’Neill.
For if he were alive, he could welcome Napoleon
And these I am sure are the words he would say:
“Céad míle fáilte! My friend you are welcome,
To raise up the faith that will never decay.”
Refrain
The spearmen in Aileach awoke in chorus.
They shouted exultant: “The long night is o’er.”
The heathen invaders retreated before us
To die in the ditches and drown in their gore.
Where sunbeams were glancing a white steed in prancing,
Its rider a Fenian with sword bright and keen,
He tore down the pillars of Saxon oppression,
And flung them afar from Sweet Erin the Green.
Then he rode to the strand, where Napoleon did land
And greeted the hero we all longed to see,
Saying: “Céad míle fáilte! My friend you are welcome,
Defender and champion of sweet liberty.