Wood Fires

Inspired by the saying 'Ash green, fit for a queen' Words: Celia Lady Congreve Music: Arthur T. Akeroyd Lyrics: 1: Beechwood fires are bright and clear If the logs are kept a year, Oaken logs burn steadily If the wood is old and dry. Chestnut's only good they say, If for long it's laid away. But ash new or ash old Is fit for a Queen with a crown of gold. 2: Birch and fir logs burn too fast Blaze up bright but do not last. Make a fire of elder tree Death within your house you'll see. It is by the Irish said Hawthorn bakes the sweetest bread. But ash green or ask brown Is fit for a Queen with a golden crown. 3: Elmwood burns like Churchyard mould E'en the very flames are cold. Poplar gives a bitter smoke, Fills your eyes and makes you choke. Applewood will scent your room With an incense like perfume, But ash wet or ash dry For a Queen to warm her slippers by. Appears in: Kent County Song Book