Arrayed in clothes of emerald green
Beside a crock of gold,
He stood not half the youngster's size,
But looked ten times as old.

The wee man bowed politely
As he introduced himself ...
"A leprechanun is what I be,
First cousin of the elf."

"The sun's my faithful guardian,
Each flower is my friend,
My home lies over yonder
Just beyond the rainbow's end."

And then for hours the little man
Regaled the lad with tales
Of leprechauns who played
In mountain glens and forest vales.

"But you'll not find us there," he said,
"Because ‘tis meant to be
That from this day no human eyes
Shall see the likes o' me."

"Though sure ‘tis true if you believe
In luck and love and joy,
If you believe in hopes and dreams,
I'll be with you, my boy."