Oh Paddy dear, and did you hear The news that's going round? The shamrock is forbid by law To grow on Irish ground.
Boucicault's version of The Wearing of the Green, a traditional Irish ballad, as rendered in his play Arragh na Pogue, or the Wicklow Wedding (1864)
When the law can stop the blades of grass From growing as they grow, And when the leaves in summertime Their verdure dare not show, Then I will change the colour I wear in my caubeen, But till that day I'll stick for aye To wearing of the green.
The Wearing of the Green, in Arragh na Pogue, or the Wicklow Wedding (1864)