By Gwydion Pendderwen
Don now the wreath of gold, and bear the torches in their hold Through the brown and barren fields, where the faeries have trod Press the lights into the soil, and round the circle writhe and coil For the abundant yield, thanks be unto the God. Bear the baskets filled with grain, oats and barley and rye Hide them from the pouring rain soon to darken the sky. (chorus:) Round and around and around we go, sometimes fast and sometimes slow Round and around and around the ring, of the Summerborn King. Old God that's standing here to watch the turning of the year Far from the forest gloom, faeries hide their tomb Strong staves of rowan tree shall keep the measure merrily Ash branch and sprig of rue flash beneath the Full Moon Rise up and join the ring, round the Harvest tide plays Raise now the waning King, in the last of His days. (Chorus) Hand to hand we pass the blade and sheathe it by the Ivy Maid Keen the edge that cuts the hand of the dancer unwary Greet the God with open arms, and bind the ring with Sylvan charms Raise the spirits of the land, Sylph and Knight and Faery Bear now the Maiden's blade to the altar of stone Here where the God has stayed ‘til the Harvest has grown. (Chorus) Round, ground upon the ground where Jack O’ Green is often found Whirl twirl the Ivy girl where the Harvest was springing Bright, bright the firelight when day is turning into night Swirl, swirl the smoke doth curl, while the dancers are singing Dance 'neath the autumn crown, 'mongst the fartles and sheaves Dance now upon the ground, branches, petals and leaves. (Chorus) Appropriate for Lughnassadh and Mabon