When the Sidhe Rode Out

I heard the harps in the hollow hill

Under the thorn at moonrise still

Silver cups and the mead ran bright

And the Sidhe were dancing all through the night

Gold feet turning in a ring

No mortal soul could leave their song

Dance, O dance in Danu’s hall

Till the midnight antlers call

Laughing bright in ember light

Till the old gods ride tonight

Their queen wore stars in raven hair

And summer clung about her there

I drank from hands as pale as flame

And forgot the hour, forgot my name

Gold feet turning in a ring

No mortal soul could leave their song

Dance, O dance in Danu’s hall

Till the midnight antlers call

Laughing bright in ember light

Till the old gods ride tonight

Then the hunting horns broke root and stone

The hall went dark, the torches shone

White hounds cried where no wind stirred

And every rider spoke no word

Ride, O ride from Danu’s hall

When the midnight antlers call

Silver bridles, storm and flame

And no man leaves the hill the same