Songs of Wandering Aongus

Ivy Ruler 

  I went out to the hazel wood, 
  Because a fire was in my head, 
  I cut and peeled a hazel wand, 
  And hooked a berry to a thread; 
  And when white moths were on the wing, 
  And moth-like stars were flickering out, 
  I dropped the berry in a stream, 
  And caught a little silver trout. 

  When I had laid it on the floor 
  I went to blow the fire aflame, 
  But something rustled on the floor, 
  And someone called me by my name; 
  It had become a glimmering girl 
  With apple blossom in her hair 
  Who called me by my name and ran 
  And faded in the brightening air. 

  Though I am old with wandering 
  Through hollow lands and hilly lands. 
  I will find out where she has gone, 
  And kiss her lips and hold her hands; 
  And walk among long dappled grass, 
  And pluck till time and times are done 
  The silver apples of the moon, 
  The golden apples of the sun.