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 its laid away.
But Ash new or Ash old, Is fit for a queen with a crown of gold!
--- Birch and Fir logs burn too fast, Blaze up bright and do not last.
Make a fire of elder tree, Death within your house you'll see.
It is by the Irish said, Hawthorne bakes the sweetest bread.
But Ash green or Ash brown, Is fit for a queen with a golden crown!
---- 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!
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