ALMS IN AUTUMN

Spindlewood, spindlewood, will you lend me pray,

A little flaming lantern to guide me on my way?

The fairies all have vanished from the meadow and the glen,

And I would fain go seeking till I find them once again.

Lend me now a lantern that I may bear a light,

To find the hidden pathways in the darkness of the light.

Ashtree, ashtree, throw me, if you please,

Throw me down a slender bunch of russet-gold keys,

I fear the gates of Fairyland all be shut so fast

That nothing but your magic keys will ever take me past.

I'll tie them to my girld and as I go along,

My heart will find a comfort in the tinkle of their song.

Hollybush, hollybush, help me in my task,

A pocketfull of berries is all the alms I ask,

A pocketfull of berries to thread on golden strands,

(I would not go a-visiting with nothing in my hands).

So fine will be the rosy chains, so gay, so glossy bright,

They'll set the realms of Fairyland all dancing with delight.