The Most Distressful Country

Kirinqueen and Madbard both alluded to this traditional song:

I met with Napper Tandy and he took me by the hand,
And he said, "How's poor old Ireland, an' how does she stand?"
She's the most distressful country that ever yet was seen,
For they're hanging' men and women for the wearin' o' the green.

Today, Ireland is booming economically, and even the troubles in the north seemed to have abated a bit.

It's the most amazing miracle that ever yet was seen.
That most distressful country now is rolling in the green!