Leprehaun

In a shady nook one moonlight night A leprechaun I spied, With scarlet cap and coat of green; A cruiskenn by his side. 'Twas a tick tack tick, his hammer went, Upon a tiny shoe, And I laughed to think of a purse of gold; But the fairy was laughing too!

With a tip toe step and beating heart, Quite 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: But the fairy was laughing too!

As quick as thought I seized the elf; "Your fairy purse!" I cried; "The purse!" he said "'tis in her hand "That lady at your side!" I turned to look: the elf was off! Then what was I to do? O, I laughed to think what a fool I'd been; And the fairy was laughing too!