The Mummer's Dance

When in the springtime of the year
When the trees are crowned with leaves
When the ash and oak, and the birch and yew
Are dressed in ribbons fair

When owls call the breathless moon
In the blue veil of the night
The shadows of the trees appear
Amidst the lantern light

Weve been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay

Who will go down to those shady groves
And summon the shadows there
And tie a ribbon on those sheltering arms
In the springtime of the year

A garland gay we bring you here
And at your door we stand
It is a sprout well budded out
The work of our Lords hand

Weve been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay
Weve been rambling all the night
And some time of this day
Now returning back again
We bring a garland gay