Wi1TH THE STORY TELLERS But then I ought to have some lunch Before I went away; Perhaps I’d find a jug of punch, Or a well loaded tray. But when I sought the dining room, I tell you I was shocked, To find the windows closed and barred, The doors all double locked; And the chanticleer was crowing At such an awful rate, I thought I’d better beat it Before it was too late. Some people laughed at Rory’s tale And thought it a good joke; So when he came down to the forge, Their jests at him they poke; Said he was drunk that very night, Down by the railroad switch, And rode Mick Lynch’s bob-tailed mule, That threw him in the ditch. Oh you’re a lot of jokers Said Rory laughing loud, But if you were with me that night Among that elfin crowd, And see us ride around the moat Before we started out, You would have credited my tale Without the slightest doubt. If further proofs are needed now Go question Shawn the Goat, Who searched the place and found fresh tracks Of ponies round the moat. The seanachie now closed his tale And said to those around: 39