The Leprauchan (Robert Dwyer Joyce, (1830-83)) In a shady nook one moonlight night A leprauchan I spied With scarlet coat and cap of green A cruiskeen* by his side Twas Tick Tack Tick his hammer went Upon a weeny shoe And I laughed to think of a purse of gold But the fairy was laughing too With tip toe step and beating heart Quiet softly I drew nigh There was mischief in his merry face A twinkle in his eye He hammered and sang with tiny voice And drank his mountain dew And I laughed to think he was caught at last As quick as thought I seized the elf "Your fairy purse I cried "The purse" he said "Tis in her hand That lady by your side I turned to look and the elf was off Then what was I to do? Oh I laughed to think what a fool I'd been And the fairy was laughing too. Cruiskeen" = a jug JC oct00
Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!