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The Birth Of Saint Patrick

On the eighth day of March it was, some people say,

That Saint Pathrick at midnight he first saw the day;

While others declare 'twas the ninth he was born,

And 'twas all a mistake between midnight and morn;

For mistakes will occur in a hurry and shock,

And some blam'd the baby - and some blam'd the clock -

Till with all their cross-questions sure no one could know,

If the child was too fast - or the clock was too slow.

Now the first faction fight in ould Ireland, they say,

Was all on account of Saint Pathrick's birthday,

Some fought for the eighth - for the ninth more would die.

And who wouldn't see right, sure they blacken'd his eye!

At last, both the factions so positive grew,

That each kept a birthday, so Pat then had two,

Till Father Mulcahy, who showed them their sins,

Said, "No one could have two birthdays but a twins."

Says he, "Boys, don't be fightin' for eight or for nine,

Don't be always dividin' - but sometimes combine;

Combine eight with nine, and seventeen is the mark,

So let that be his birthday." - "Amen," says the clerk.

"If he wasn't a twins, sure our hist'ry will show -

That, at least, he's worth any two saints that we know!"

Then they all got blind dhrunk - which complated their bliss,

And we keep up the practice from that day to this.

Samuel Lover.