The first published version of the "The Ash Grove" tune was in 1802 in The Bardic Museum, a book written by the harpist Edward Jones. About four years later a version with words appeared, under the name Llwyn Onn. It tells of a sailor's love for "Gwen of Llwyn".

Laura Wright - The Ash Grove:

English lyrics:

The ash grove, how graceful, how plainly 'tis speaking
 The harp (or wind) through it playing has language for me.
 When over its branches the sunlight is breaking,
 A host of kind faces is gazing on me.
 The friends of my childhood again are before me
 Each step wakes a memory as freely I roam.
 With soft whispers laden the leaves rustle o'er me
 The ash grove, the ash grove alone (again) is my home. 

Down yonder green valley where streamlets meander
 When twilight is fading I pensively rove
 Or at the bright noontide in solitude wander
 Amid the dark shades of the lonely ash grove.
‘Twas there while the blackbird was cheerfully singing
 I first met that dear one, the joy of my heart
 Around us for gladness the bluebells were ringing
 But then little thought I how soon we should part. 

My lips smile no more, my heart loses its lightness;
 No dream of the future my spirit can cheer.
 I only can brood on the past and its brightness
 The dear ones I long for again gather here.
 From ev'ry dark nook they press forward to meet me;
 I lift up my eyes to the broad leafy dome,
 And others are there, looking downward to greet me
 The ash grove, the ash grove, again is my home. 

⇒ 1813 Germany - Das zerbrochene Ringlein (The Broken Ring)

⇐ 1798 Wales - Hela'r 'Sgyvarnog (Hunting the Hare)

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