Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE WEARING OF THE GREEN, by CARROLL RYAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE WEARING OF THE GREEN, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, patrick dear, and did you hear
Last Line: And wear the living green.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ryan, William Thomas Carroll
Subject(s): Ireland; St. Patrick's Day; Irish


Oh, Patrick dear, and did you hear,
The news that's going round?
The shamrock is no more forbid
To grow on Irish ground.
But, raised with honor and renown,
By order of the Queen,
The army and the navy now
Are wearing of the green.

So now we'll wear the green, my dear,
So now we'll wear the green;
For Erin grand we'll proudly stand,
And wear the living green.

I met with General Buller,
And He took me by the hand,
Saying—"How are these for heroes bold,
Who come from Erin's land?
A telegram was handed me
This morning, from the Queen—
She says—'They've won my heart, and made,
Me proud to wear the green.'"

So now we'll wear the green, my dear,
So now we'll wear the green;
For Erin grand we'll proudly stand,
And wear the living green.

And ever on St. Patrick's Day,
Wherever to the skies,
Triumphantly for liberty,
The flag of Britain flies,
There shall the harp and shamrock fly—
By all the nations seen
To Irish valor Britain owes
The wearing of the green!

So now we'll wear the green, my dear,
So now we'll wear the green;
For Erin grand we'll proudly stand,
And wear the living green.

Not only did they beat the Dutch
Upon the wild Karroo,
But they have conquered English hearts
With courage high and true.
Then evermore when British men
Shall sing "God Save the Queen,"
They'll not forget Old Ireland, and
The wearing of the green.'

So now we'll wear the green, my dear,
So now we'll wear the green;
For Erin grand we'll prodly stand,
And wear the living green.





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