LADY AMBER

SPEAK SOFTLY, GENTLEMEN,

THERE'S A BABY SLEEPING

WARM AND GENTLE BY THE FIRE

IN HIS LADY'S KEEPING.

GO AND FETCH SOME TINDER WOOD

WARMER ARE WE WANTING,

KISS YOUR FAIREST ONE GOOD-NIGHT,

OFF YOU GO A- HUNTING.

OUT INTO THE MIRKY WOOD

THROUGH THE THORNY BRAMBLES,

OVER FENCE AND OVER FARM

HAND ON WOODEN HANDLE.

SPY THE HARE AND DRAW THE BOLT,

CATCH THE YOUNG AND TENDER,

BRING THEM CRYING TO THE POT

AND YOUR LADY AMBER.

THROUGH THE RUSHY GRASSES TALL

QUIET NOW AND SILENT,

SEE YOU HOW THE MOON IS FULL

HUNT YOUR SUPPER BY IT.

UP THERE GOES THE PHEASANT WING

FLY NOW TAIL AND FEATHER,

BRING IT DOWN, NO MORE TO SING

FOR YOUR LADY AMBER.

DEEP WITHIN THE FOREST HEART

FRIEND WOOD-ELF IS WAITING,

TELL HIM STORY, TELL HIM TALE,

GOLDEN TALK TO BAIT HIM.

TRADE HIM SILVER, TRADE HIM LACE,

LET HIS FANCY WANDER

BRING YOU BACK HIS LIQUID FIRE

FOR YOUR LADY AMBER.

NOW AT TABLE WITH THE LORD

SEE THE FEAST BEFORE US,

ALL THE BOUNTY OF THE LAND

CALLED IN FROM THE FOREST.

TO YOUR RIGHT THE WOOD-ELF SITS

TOYING WITH THE BABY,

DRINKING DOWN THE LIQUID FIRE-

HOW THE HOUSE REJOICES !

BY YOUR LEFT HAND, DRESSED IN WINE

ALL YOUR DREAMS REMEMBERED.

WELCOMED BACK TO HOUSE AND HOME

AND YOUR LADY AMBER.

(C) MEG DAVIS 1984

(P) Leelanau Heritage Arts 1984 / BMI