BIRD LEGEND AND LIFE 



kept the feathers of all such birds as were killed on this day 

 to use as amulets against shipwreck. 



Wren hunts were also common in Ireland, where many 

 wren-hunt songs were sung. Each hunter carried two sticks, 

 one with which to beat the hedges, and one to throw at the 

 bird. When in the hunt a wren was Idlled, it was placed 

 on a ribbon-decked ivy or holly bough, or suspended in two 

 hoops crossed at right angles and decked with evergreens 

 and ribbons, and borne about triumphantly at the head of a 

 procession. 



One of these songs is given in Crofton Croker's "Re- 

 searches," as follows: 



lEISH WREN-HUNT SONG 



"The wren, the wren, the king of all birds. 

 Saint Stephen's Day was caught in the furze; 

 Although he is little, his family's great — 

 I pray you, good landlady, give us a treat. 



"My box it wotdd speak, if it had but a tongue, 

 And two or three shillings would do it no wrong; 

 Sing hoUy, sing ivy — sing ivy, sing holly, 

 A drop just to drink, it would drown melancholy. 



"And if you draw it of the best, 

 I hope your soul in heaven may rest; 

 But if you draw it of the small. 

 It won't agree with the wren boys at all." 



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