Would God I were the tender apple blossom
That floats and falls from off the twisted bough
To lie and faint within your silken bosom
Within your silken bosom as that does now.
Or would I were a little burnish'd apple
For you to pluck me, gliding by so cold
While sun and shade you robe of lawn will dapple
Your robe of lawn, and you hair's spun gold.

Yea, would to God I were among the roses
That lean to kiss you as you float between
While on the lowest branch a bud uncloses
A bud uncloses, to touch you, queen.
Nay, since you will not love, would I were growing
A happy daisy, in the garden path
That so your silver foot might press me going
Might press me going even unto death. 
 



-------------------------

Northern Ireland
"A Londonderry Air"

Words by:Katherine Tynan Hinkson
Music by:traditional
In use to:1972

Before the abolition of the Northern Irish Parliament in 1972, "A Londonderry
Air" was used as the unofficial local anthem of this part of the island of
Ireland that is part of the United_Kingdom. It is still used when Northern
Ireland competes against other nations of the United Kingdom in venues such as
the Commonwealth Games. For other events, particularly when Northern Ireland
players compete on the same team as players from the Republic of Ireland, the
song "Ireland's Call" is used.

The melody of "A Londonderry Air" is considered traditional. It was first
published by Jane Ross of County Londonderry (known as County Derry by
Catholics) in what is now Northern Ireland, which may explain the name. Various
words have been given to it, probably most famously the song "Danny Boy." The
tune was first called "Londonderry Air" in 1894 when Katherine Tynan Hinkson
set the words of her "Irish Love Song" poem to the tune.

Special thanks to:Reinhard Popp for informing me of this anthem and providing
me with the music file.

See also: United_Kingdom, Ireland.

MUSIC

