The Cherry Tree

Come from your bed, my drowsy gentleman!

And you, fair lady, rise and braid your hair.

And let the children wash, if wash they can;

If not, assist you them, and make them fair

As is the morning and the morning sky,

And every tree and bush and bird in air.

The sun climbed on the heights three hours ago,

He laughed above the hills and they were glad;

With bubbled pearl he made the rivers flow

And laced their mists in silver, and he clad

The meads in fragrant pomp of green and gold,

And bade the world forget it had been sad.

So lift yourself, good sir! and you, sweet dame,

Unlash your evening eyes of pious grey;

Call on the children by each loved name,

And set them on the grass and let them play;

And play with them a while, and sing with them

Beneath the cherry bush a roundelay.

The Rocky Road to Dublin/The Adventures of Seumas Beg [1915]