Ireland

In a shady nook, one moonlit night, a leprechaun I spied
With a scarlet cap and coat of green, a cruisc’n by his side
‘Twas “tic, tac tic” his hammer went, upon a tiny shoe
I laughed to think of a purse of gold, but the fairy was laughing too.

With tiptoe step and beating heart, softly I drew nigh
There was mischief in his merry face, a twinkle in his eye
He hammered and sang with his tiny voice, and drank his mountain dew
I laughed to think he was caught at last, but the fairy was laughing too.

As quick as thought I seized the elf, “Your fairy purse!” I cried
“The purse,” he said, “is in the hand of the lady by your side”
I turned to look, the elf was gone, then what was I to do?
I laughed to think what a fool I’d been, but the fairy was laughing to