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DONACHA RUA
Donacha rua, now an ace is yours;
(Mother Mary, the night is long!)
“I was a sin that he hurried aside…”
O for the dawn and the blackbird's song!
Donacha rua, now a ten of suit;
(Mother Mary, what hot winds blow!)
“Nine little fives hath he saved in his path…”
And the black cock that does not crow.
Donacha rua, you have played a knave;
(O what strange gates on their hinges groan!)
“I was a friend who had wrought him ill;
When I had fallen he cast no stone…”
Donacha rua, now a queen has won!
(The black cock crows with the flash of dawn.)
And she is the woman who prays for you:
“Is go d-tigeadh tu mo mhúirnín slán!”
