The faerie glen, from enchanted sleep,
stretched and yawned,then came to,
blinked his eyes in sweet surprise
and regarded this strange world anew
What miracle broke the magic spell
what wonder,what wild beauty,
so pure in heart could rend apart
the charm that bewitchéd me?
Soft laughter trips from a shady grove
the faerie glen’s shot through with love
for those who ‘d set him free
no sprites nor nymphs nor even elves,
but exuberant girls a’ sporting themselves
as fit and fine could be
such delight, ah!, wistful sight, to see.
Now little birds and faeries
come fluttering from every tree
and a hare strides by,all proud disdain
his master restored to rule again
a blackbird throats a jealous refrain
the faerie king has back his crown
the stars are still in county Down
it’s agin the law to wear a frown
stands a guard of honour by his high decree
for them Colgan girls, of Lisnacree.