Green grow the rushes, Ho

I'll sing you twelve, Ho 

Green grow the rushes, Ho

What are your twelve, Ho?

Twelve for the twelve Apostles

Eleven for the eleven who went to heaven,

Ten for the ten commandments,

Nine for the nine bright shiners,

Eight for the April Rainers, 

Seven for the seven stars in the sky, 

Six for the six proud walkers, 

Five for the symbols at your door, 

Four for the Gospel makers,

Three, three, the rivals,

Two, two, the lily-white boys,

Clothèd all in green, Ho Ho 

One is one and all alone 

And evermore shall be (it)(or "as") so.

 

Hmm, wait a minute. These rushes aren't green so the song doesn't work at all. Brown grow the rushes, Ho, doesn't quite work.