The Dawning of the Day

One early morn as I walked forth By the margin of Lough Leane The sunshine dressed the trees in green And the summer bloomed again I left the town and wandered on Through fields all green and gay And whom shall I meet but a colleen sweet At the dawning of the day No cap or cloak this maiden wore Her neck and feet were bare Down to the ground in ringlets fell Her glossy golden hair A milking pail was in her hand She was lovely, young and gay She wore the palm from Venus bright By the dawning of the day On a mossy bank, I sat me down With the maiden by my side With gentle word, he courted her Asked her to be his bride She said, "Young man, don't bring me blame" And swiftly turned away And the morning light was shining bright At the dawning of the day