_Ever-Green Statesman sings_:--
Och, Erin dear, and did ye hear the cry that's going round?
The Home-Rule plant they would forbid to grow on Irish ground.
_I_ had my doubts at one time, but more clearly I have seen
Since I took--in shamrock spectacles--to Wearing of the Green.
_Chorus._
I'm Ever-Green myself, ye know, so take me by the hand,
And tell me how Ould Oireland is, and how our chances stand.
'Tis the most disthressful country, dear, that ever yet was seen;
But I'm sworn to right ye, darlint, now I'm Wearing of the Green!
With unsurpassed frivolity and cruelty, 'tis said,
That you, Mavourneen, wish to set your heel on Ulster's head.
If _you_, who under Orange foot so long time have been trod,
Would trample down your tyrants old, it would be passing odd.
_Chorus._--I'm Ever-Green myself, ye know, &c.
When the law can stop your friends, my dear, from growing as they
grow,
When the Tories stop my "flowing tide" from flowing as 'twill flow,
Then I will change the colour, dear, that in my specs is seen,
But until that day, please Heaven, I'll stick to Wearing of the
Green.
_Chorus._
I am Ever-Green myself as is your own dear Emerald Land,
And that is why the Green Isle's case I've learned to understand.
'Tis the most disthressful country, yours, that ever yet was seen;
But _I'll_ right ye. Twig my glasses, dear! I'm Wearing of the
Green!]
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