I don't think you are using the right tool here. XML::XPath is most useful for finding things, not necessarily adding things. One solution is to pair XML::Parser and XML::Writer, you can distill more of this solution over at XML Search and Replace. Another thought is to use XML::Twig (i am starting to think of this module as the Swiss-Army chainsaw of XML processing). Yet another solution is to use XML Shell. This will be most helpful for when you need to edit complex XML for one-time, on the fly tasks. Good luck. :)

jeffa

L-LL-L--L-LL-L--L-LL-L--
-R--R-RR-R--R-RR-R--R-RR
B--B--B--B--B--B--B--B--
H---H---H---H---H---H---
(the triplet paradiddle with high-hat)