There are three erudite threads on "Raglan Road," the Patrick Kavanagh song (29901, 27263 [tune] and 43818, links at end), maybe more. This fairly recent song has the tune, but not the words of an older traditional "Dawning of the Day." The words by Kavanagh are open to interpretation, to judge by the messages in the threads. Somewhere in the "Raglan Road threads is reference to a title "Fainne Gael an Lae" which supposedly means Dawning of the Day.

I found no thread on the traditional versions of this Scots(?) tune. Two sets of lyrics from Canada are in the DT. The Traditional Ballad Index lists the first reference, 1930, from Ord, p. 163, and says the song is found in Canada, Scotland, and New England. Author and age unknown.
The following simple Scottish version is from Contemplator: Dawning There is a good midi.

Lyr. Add: THE DAWNING OF THE DAY

One morning early I walked forth
By the margin of Lough Leane.
The sunshine dressed the trees in green
And summer bloomed again.
I left the town and wandered on
Through fields all green and gay,
And whom should I meet but a colleen sweet
At the dawning of the day.

No cap or cloak this maiden wore,
Her neck and feet were bare.
Down in the grass in ringlets fell
Her glossy golden hair.
A milking pail was in her hand;
She was lovely, young and gay.
She wore the palm from Venus bright
By the dawning of the day.

On a mossy bank I sat me down
With the maiden by my side.
With gentle words I courted her
And asked her to be my bride.
She said, "Young man don't bring me blame,"
Ans swiftly turned away.
And the morning light was shining bright
At the dawning of the day.

@ballad @love @rejection
I suspect that this is a composed ballad, 18-19C. Any other old songs with this tune? Any dates?
Threads on "Raglan Road:" Raglan I
Raglan II
Raglan tune

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