TH E th an ks of Editor and Publisher are d ue to the many writers and others who have contributed to this volume by giving permission for poems , their own or their copy right , to appear herein . We desire to make acknow ledgment espec ially to Messrs.Chatto and Windus for the poem “ I M ade Another Garden from Arthur

’ ’ O Sh augh n essy s Music and Moonlight to M rs .

’ Allingham for her husband s poems , and to his pub

M r li sh e rs, Messrs . Reeves and Turner ; to . Aubrey de

V . o . ere and his publishers , Messrs Kegan Paul and C ;

M r . . . . M to W B Yeats , M r Alfred Graves , iss Jane

Barlow ; and also to the proprietors and editor of 771 43

N ati on al Observer for leave to re - publish the two poems

i e r . by Miss Tynan, and that by Miss S g son D ed i eal i on .

M

Take n ot my love - song s on ly tlzat are m ad e

r r E ve fo y on ,

B u t tlzese m or e sw eet tlzat bl ew i n su n an d slzad e

l en all !b e w or ld w as n ew !

k r w ld n s n d r n d Ta e ou i so g , te e a passi on ate, L ike tlzose th e blackbi r d si n g s

B s d m ai r r t/z n t e i e so ef y a , u to ll i s m a e, l en all t/ze w or ld lzatlz w i ng s

Taé i li n i an d lz i n k tlz e s ed /Em a e e , t y p y n ppy tlzong lzl , M s n y ong s cfy on n n sn g ,

T s n s m an w l r lzt b e e so g of y l over s, s eet y w ong l en al l tli e w or ld w as y ou ng !

R 1 2 AP I L 1 8, 89 .

MONG these Irish Love - Songs I have included many that are not direct songs from a lover to the v belo ed , but are rather songs of Love and the things of d Love . I have include also Dark Rosaleen , the wild an d passionate love - song whi c h the genius of M angan created upon an Irish cry by some bard of Elizabethan M days to his distressed otherland . I keep it because it seems to me the most beauti ful poem of our Anglo - Irish literature , and my book would be so much the poorer wanting it and if any one is dissatisfied with this reason

- he can figure it to himself a genuine love song, as one may conceive the Song of Solomon a lover ’ s rhapsody to his

Eastern mistress . After Dark Rosaleen , I believe my little book will owe most to Edward Walsh and Samuel

Ferguson , the two men who , above all others , knew how to transfuse the w ild simplicity of the Irish songs into

English , keeping their strange and lovely flavour as of ’ — wild bees honey sweet and unsophisticated . The l ove

for pure colour which the Irish possess is in these songs . No one who loves poetry will ask what I mean when I 8 P EF CE R A .

point to so crystal - clear and crystal - sparkling a verse as

’ Fe rguson s

0 h ad y ou se e n th e Cool un ’ Wa k n d ow n b th e ko s s r l i g y c uc o t ee t , With th e d e w ofth e m e adow sh in in g ! O n h e r m k - h w k il w ite t in lin g fe e t .

Most of these Irish poems date only about a hundred

or a hundred and fifty years back . Some are much ” older, however , as witness Beautiful Deirdre , from an

MS 1 00 Irish . of the year 4 ; and who shall say that sophisticated nations , holding their Courts of Love and

all the rest of the medi aeval frippery , could produce more ornate and courtly praise of beauty than this 2’ Poetry in

Ireland has a way of rising and falling with revolutions , and there seems no doubt that the Jacobite movement stirred into life the poetry with which the early years of the i 8th century in Ireland were rich . They were all

Jacobites , those shiftless fellows , who were the lineal

’ al a k l descendants of the bards , but , c without the bard s position or his protector . Some were labourers , some

- pedlars , some hedge schoolmasters , all alike touched with — genius, wit, fire and learning for it was a time when the Irish peasant had the dead languages at his fingers ’ ends

- an d all alike scamps in a simple virtuous age , and adding to their scampishness a Voltairean spirit much out of its due time and place . That those exquisite strains

' of theirs owe much to the genius of Walsh and Ferguson , is shown by the poorer figure they out when translated by M iss Charlotte Brooke , that first gleaner in the field of

’ “ H ard i m an s Irish song, or by the translators in Irish

’ 3 Minstrelsy . Those wild songs have a certain family PREFACE . 9

likeness of manner and metaphor , but to me this

- cuckoo note is but an added charm . They did not take kindly to the fine English of their first translators, who

l a m d would dress them (2 o e . How delightfully the Irish Muse of the date could prank herself in finery one sees in the lyrics of the Hon . George Ogle and like ” gentlemen . The Banks of Banna has a kinship , to my mind , with the delicate music of Purcell and Arne .

I have selected for my little book arbitrarily , and have rejected many who in a larger collection would be honourably represented . I have sometimes rejected , but E l not always , because of an nglish inf uence , having the

- desire to make a book of Love Songs of a new flavour , and literary in a fresh way . In this ambition I hope I have succeeded . And in conclusion , with my book , I offe r to all English - speaking lovers Greeting

E TYN KATHARIN AN.

C n t n ts o e .

Th e B an ks of B an n a

M olly Asth or e

’ Kath l een O M or e

Sh n l e Ar oon

Th e D esm on d

Ki tty of Col er ai n e

Savou r n een D eeli sh

E ll en B aw n

D ar h Rosal een

B l oom i ng D ei r d r e

Th e Cool n n Cean D n hh D eeli sh Th e L apfu l of N u ts

Th e Fai r - h ai r ed Gi r l

Nora of th e Am ber Hai r

M olly Asth or e

M i ld M abel Kel ly

l l 1 2 CoNTENTs

P asth een Fi n n

Pear l of th e Wh i te B reast

Cash el of M u n ster

Th e M a id of B al ly h au n i s

' l fi tty B h an

’ ’ Fr om th e Cold Sod th at s O er You

B el oved of th e Fl ax en Tr esses L i ttl e Celi a Con n ell an

’ M o Cr aoi bl nn Cn o

Fai ry [Vary B ar ry

I/ Ver e You on th e M ou n tai n ?

Th e Ou tlaw of L och L en e

Th e Gi r l [ L ove

Th e B oatm an of Ki n sal e

Th e Gi r l of D u n hwy

om e to M e D ear est C ,

' Th e I r i sh Wzfe

M em or i es

[ L ove my L ove i n th e M or n i ng

Th e L over an d B i r d s

Am ong th e H eath er

L ovely [Vary Don n el ly

oh l Wer e my L ove

' ’ Fl or en ce M ac Car thy s Far ew ell to h i s E ngl i sh L ove I CO NT ENTS . 3

M i n n i e

My U li ch

Th e S u m m er i s Com e

Th e ”fin d th at Sh ah es th e B ar ley

Th e Rejected L over

' Tw as P r etty to he i n B alli nd er ry

’ Th e Wh i te B l ossom s of th e B og

M ai r e my Gi r l

Gr ac i e 0g M ach r ee

To God an d I r elan d Tr u e

After A ugh r i m

Gi r lh ood at [Mi d n igh t

An Old Son g Resu ng

To an I sl e i n th e Water

Ou tsi d e

L i ttl e M ary Cassid y

Th e Wood - Pigeon

An E r r an d

’ On All Sou l s Nigh t

I NDE! TO A U THORS

- 1 6 IRISH LOVE SON G S .

th r e Molly A s o .

G E E G E HON . ORG O L .

S B ’ I A down by anna s banks strayed , one evening in M a y , The little birds with blithest notes made vocal every spray

’ They sung their little notes of love , they sung them o er and o ’er m Ah , gra ach ree , ma colleen oge , ma Molly Asthore !

The daisies pied and all the sweets the dawn of Nature

yields ,

’ The primrose pale , the violet blue , lay scattered o er the fields f Such ragrance in the bosom lies of her whom I adore,

r m h r e M ! Ah , g a ac e , ma colleen oge , ma olly Asthore

I laid me down upon a bank bewailing my sad fate , That doomed me thus the slave of Love and cruel Molly ’s

hate . How can she break the honest heart that wears her in its core P

Ah , gram ach ree , ma colleen oge , ma Molly Asthore R O E - S G I I ISH L V ON S . 7

Y ou said you loved me , Molly dear ; ah , why did I

b eh e ve ?

Ye t who could think such tender words were meant but

to deceive .

That love was all I asked on earth ; nay, Heaven could

give no more ,

ram ach r e M Ah , g e , ma colleen oge , ma olly Asthore

h I O , had all the flocks that graze on yonder yellow hill ,

Or lowed for me the numerous herds that yon green pas tures fill ’ fi With her I d gladly share my kine , with her my ee cy

store ,

r m r M Ah , g a ach ee , ma colleen oge, ma olly Asthore

Two turtle doves above my head sat courting on a bough , I envied them their happiness to see them bill and coo

’ Such fondness once for me she showed , but now, alas , tis o ’er l

ram a h r e M Ah , g c e , ma colleen oge , ma olly Asthore l

’ M d ear l Then fare thee well , my olly thy loss I e er shall

moan , While life remains in Strephon ’s heart it beats for thee alone ; Though thou art false may heaven on thee its choicest

blessings pour,

ram ach ree M Ah , g , ma colleen oge , ma olly Asthore . - IRISH L OVE SONG S .

G EORG E D LE AR Y .

EE SW T in her green dell the flower of beauty slumbers , Lulled by the faint breezes sighing through her hair Sleeps she and hears not the melancholy numbers B ’ reathed to my sad lute mid the lonely air .

Down from the high cl ifls the rivulet is teeming To wind round the willow banks that lure him

above ;

0 that in tears , from my rocky prison streaming,

I too could glide to t h e bower of my love

Ah , where the woodbines with sleepy arms have wound

her ,

Opes sh e her eyelids at the dream of my lay ,

Listening, like the dove , while the fountains echo round

her , ’ s To her lost mate s call in the fore ts far away .

“ For Come then , my bird the peace thou ever bearest ,

’ Still heaven s messenger of comfort to me ,

“ O faith ful e st Come , this fond bosom , and fairest

Bleeds with its death - wound its wound of love for thee E - SO G 1 IRISH L OV N S . 9

K ’ M athleen O or e .

G E E E E D ORG N U G NT R YNOL S .

Y I I M love , still think that see her once more , sh l oss ' to But alas e has left me her deplore , M y own little Kathleen , my poor little Kathleen ,

’ My Kathleen O More l

Her hair glossy black , her eyes were dark blue ,

Her colour still changing , her smiles ever new

So pretty was Kathleen , my sweet little Kathleen ,

’ My Kathleen O More

’ She milked the dun cow that ne er ofle re d to stir ; Though wicked to all it was gentle to her

So kind was my Kathleen , my poor little Kathleen ,

’ My Kathleen O More l

She sat at the door one cold afternoon, To hear the wind blow and to gaze on the moon

So pensive was Kathleen , my poor little Kathleen

’ My Kathleen O More z o - S IRISH LOVE ONGS .

Cold was the night - breeze that sighed round her bower ,

It chilled my poor Kathleen , she drooped from that hour,

And I lost my poor Kathleen , my own little Kathleen , M ’ y Kathleen O More .

The bird of all birds that my heart loves the best , Is the robin that in the churchyard builds his nest

For he seems to watch Kathleen , hops lightly

Kathleen ,

’ My Kathleen O More l

Shu le

G E A B RI AD BALLAD.

O I on I W ULD were yonder hill , ’ r ’ Tis the e I d sit and cry my fill ,

Till every tear would turn a mill ,

’ d - d t a r n sld n 1s go tei h u , m h ui n i / . - z I IRISH LOVE SO N G S .

— z l d Ch or . Si u l h ai l , Si u hh ai a r i n /

‘ c r us s h ai l zci Si u hh ail go so ai , ag i u h go ci n ,

- a d r us al a Si uhh ai l go d ti n o as ag e igh l iom ,

’ - u ! d n a l s go d tei d h l a , a m h i rn i n sl

’ ’ I ll sell my rock , I ll sell my reel ,

’ I ll sell my only spinning - wheel ,

To buy for my love a sword of steel ,

’ ' - l s go d tei d h tu , a m h u i r ni n I slan .

’ ’ I ll dye my petticoats , I ll dye them red ,

’ And round the world I ll beg my bread ,

Until my parents shall wish me dead ,

' ’ 1s o d r n g tei d h tu , a m h u i n i l sld n .

I wish , I wish , I wish in vain ,

I wish I had my heart again,

’ And vainly think I d not complain ,

1s d - t d l a l g o ei lz a , m h d i r n i n s d n .

But now my love has gone to France

To try his fortune to advance ;

’ If he e er come back tis but a chance ,

’ ’ I s - go d teid h tu , a m h u zr n i n I sld n .

Mo e m o e m o e 0 e a e v , v , v , tr sur ,

M o e e an d m o n v ! ui tly ve ge tly ,

M o e t th e r n e e v o doo a d l Ope w i th m ,

’ ” An d m a s h o dar n sa e . y t t u go , 0 li g , f 2 2 R O E - S O I ISH L V NGS .

he D n T esm o d.

THOMAS M OORE.

Y ’ B the Feal s wave benighted ,

No star in the skies , To thy door by Love lighted saw h se I first t o eyes , Some voice whispered o ’er me

As the threshold I crost ,

There was ruin before me ,

If I loved I was lost .

m Love ca e , and brought sorrow Too soon in his train

Ye t so sweet that to - morrow

’ Twere welcome again .

’ Though misery s full measure M d y portion shoul be , I would drain it with pleasure

II poured out by thee ;

You who call it dishonour

To bow to this flame ,

’ If you ve eyes , look upon her

And blush while you blame .

2 R OVE - S N 4 I ISH L O GS .

I sat down beside her , and gently did chide her, That such a misfortune should give her such pain ;

A kiss then I gave her , and ere I did leave her , d ’ She vowe for such pleasure she d break it again . ’ — ’ Twas haymaking season I can t tell the reason Misfortunes will never come single ’ tis plain

’ For ve ry soon after poor Kitty s disaster The devil a pitcher was whole in Coleraine

S v u n e D ee l ish a o r e n .

ANON .

H A the moment was sad when my love and I parted , n li sh E e Savou rn ee d e e , ileen Og

- As I kissed offher tears , I was nigh broken hearted ,

E O e Savourn een d e elish , ileen g

Wan was her cheek when Sh e hung on my shoulder ,

w as Damp was her hand , no marble colder ,

I felt that I never again should behold her ,

li h E O e Savourn e en d ee s , ileen g

When the word of command put our men into motion ,

i h E O e Savourn een d e el s , ileen g

I buckled on my knapsack to . cross the wide ocean ,

E O e Savourn een d eelish , ileen g R O E - S G 2 I ISH L V O N S . 5

— Brisk were our troops all roaring like thunder ,

Pleased with the voyage , impatient for plunder ,

- w as My bosom with grief well nigh torn asunder ,

a r e n d li sh E e S vou n e ee , ileen Og

Long I fought for my country , far , far from my true love ,

Savourn e e n d e el ish E , ileen Oge

All my pay and my booty I hoarded for you , love ,

Savourn e en d e l i sh E e , ileen Oge

c Peace was pro laimed escaped from the slaughter ,

Landed at home , my sweet girl , I sought her ;

But sorrow, alas to the cold grave had brought her,

avourn e n d e lish E O e S e e , ileen g

E llen Baw n .

E RE E G JAM S CLA NC MAN AN .

E 0 E B ELL N BAWN , llen awn , you darling, darling ,

dear , you ,

’ ’ Sit awhile beside me here , I ll die unless I m near you ’ Tis for you I ’ d swim the Suir and breast the Shannon ’s waters

’ ’ For Ellen , dear , there s not your peer in Galway s bloom ing daughters ! 2 6 R E - S I ISH L OV O NG S .

’ Had I Limerick s gems and gold at will to mete and

measure ,

’ ’ Were L ough rea s abundance mine and all Portum n a s

treasure ,

These might lure me , might insure me many and many

new love , ! But 0 no bribe could pay your tribe for one like you ,

my true love .

Blessings be on Connaught ! that ’s the place for sport and raking

a- a - Blessings , too , my love, on you Sleeping and waking ’ E w I d have met you , dearest llen , hen the sun went

under , But woe the flooding Shannon broke across my path in

thunder .

’ ’ Ellen , I d give all the deer in Limerick s parks and

arbours ,

’ Aye, and all the ships that rode last year in Munster s

harbours ,

Could I blot from Time the hour I first became your lover , ’ c an For 0 , you ve given my heart a wound it never

recover .

Would to God that in the sod my corpse to - night were

lying,

’ And the wild birds wheeling o er it , and the winds

a - Sighing, Since your cruel mother and your kindred chose to sever Two hearts that Love would blend in one for ever and

for ever . R LO E - S O G I ISH V N S . 2 7

D ar h Rosaleen .

(From the Irish . )

ES RE E G JAM CLA NC MAN AN .

0 MY Dark Rosaleen

Do not sigh , do not w eep

The priests are on the ocean green ,

They march along the deep .

’ There s wine from the royal Pope , Upon the ocean green

And Spanish ale shall give you h O pe

My Dark Rosaleen

My own Rosaleen !

ou Shall glad your heart , shall give y hope ,

Shall give you health , and help, and hope ,

My Dark Rosaleen

Over hills and through dales, Have I roamed for your sake All yesterday I sailed with sails

O n river and on lake .

Em e The , at its highest flood , d I dashe across unseen , - 2 8 IRISH LO VE S O N G S .

For there was lightning in my blood ,

My Dark Rosaleen

My own Rosaleen !

0 there was lightning in my blood ,

Red lightning lightened through my blood ,

M y Dark Rosaleen All day long in unrest

To and fro do I move , The very heart within my breast

Is wasted for you , Love The heart in my bosom faints

To think of you , my queen

M O f y life of life , my saint saints ,

M y Dark Rosaleen

M y own Rosaleen

sad To hear your sweet and complaints , M y life, my , love, my saint of saints ,

My Dark Rosaleen !

Woe and pain , pain and woe, Are my lot night and noon

To see your bright face clouded so ,

Like to the mournful moon . But yet will I rear your throne Again in golden sheen

’ Tis you Shall reign , shall reign alone , My Dark Rosaleen

M y own Rosaleen

’ Tis you Shall have the golden throne, ’ Tis you shall reign , and reign alone ,

My Dark Rosaleen R E - I ISH LOV SON G S .

O ver dews, over sands , w in I fly for your weal

c Your holy, deli ate white hands

Shall girdle me with steel .

At home , in your emerald bowers,

’ ’ From morning s dawn till e en,

’ You ll pray for me , my flower of flowers ,

My Dark Rosaleen

My fond Rosaleen !

’ ’ You ll think of me through daylight s hours , M y virgin flower, my flower of flowers ,

My Dark Rosaleen

I could scale the blue air ,

I could plough the high hills , Oh , I could kneel all night in prayer ,

To heal your many ills . An d one beamy smile from you Would float like light between M y toils and me , my own , my true ,

My Dark Rosaleen

M y fond Rosaleen

Would give me life and soul anew ,

c A se ond life , a soul anew ,

M y Dark Rosaleen l

O the Erne shall run red

With redundance of blood ,

The earth Shall rock beneath our tread ,

And flames wrap hill and wood , R L O E - S I ISH V O NG S .

- ! - And gun pea , and slogan cry ,

Wake many a glen serene ,

Ere you shall fade , ere you shall die ,

My Dark Rosaleen

M y o w n Rosaleen

The Judgment Hour must first be nigh ,

Ere you can fade, ere you can die ,

My Dark Rosaleen

Blooming Deir dr e .

(From the Irish . )

E DWA RD LAWSO N .

EE ’ SW T Deirdre o er all else I prize ,

Her pearly teeth , her azure eyes

’ ’ O e r w c th e hi h , dispersed by wind s play ,

w Dark , shining , t ining ringlets stray ,

In full luxuriant w reaths desc ending

- Those small , soft heaving orbs defending Whose vestal snow no touch profane

Ofman has ever dared to stain .

Like orient Venus when she presses

The brine from her ambrosial tresses , That down her sleek side glittering flow

- Like dew stars on a rose of snow .

- 3 2 I RISH LOVE SO NG S .

O my love she is and my colleen oge , And she dwells in Bal n agar ;

And sh ebears the palm of beauty bright

From the fairest that in Erin are .

B l n a r o ol u n In a ga is the C , Like the berry on the bough her cheek Bright beauty dwells for ever

O n her fair neck and ringlets sleek . O sweeter is her mouth ’ s soft music

Than the lark or thrush at dawn ,

Or th e blackbird in the greenwood singing

Farewell to the setting sun .

Rise up , my boy , make ready f To horse , or I forth would ride , To follow the modest damsel

Where she walks on the green hill - side

For ever sinc e our youth were we plighted

In faith , truth , and wedlock true .

0 sw eeter her voic e is nine times over Than organ or cuckoo

And ever since my c hildhood

’ I ve loved the fair and darling c hild

c u But our people ame between s , fi And with lucre our pure love d e l e d . h O , my woe it is an d my bitter pain , And I weep it night and day That the colleen bawn of my early love

Is torn from my heart away . - I RISH LO V E S O N G S . 3 3

I Cean D a hh D eel i sh .

SI R SAMU EL F ERG USON .

U T P your head , darling , darling , darling , Your darling black head my heart above

Oh , mouth of honey , with the thyme for fragrance , Who with heart in breast could ‘deny you love

h O , many and many a young girl for me is pining ,

L l ook s c etting her of gold to the old wind free ,

For me the foremost of our gay young fellow s

’ But I d leave a hundred , pure love , for thee

Then put your head , darling , darling , darling ,

Your darling blac k head my heart above

w Oh , mouth of honey , ith the thyme for fragran c e , ? Who , with heart in breast , could deny you love

w n d h u d ee l i sh d e ar b ac k h e a . Pron oun c e d Ca , l d IRISH L OVE - SO N G S:

e L a u l o N u ts Th pf f .

SI R S E ERG S AMU L F U O N .

’ WH EN E E R I se e soft hazel eyes

- w And nut bro n curls , I think of those bright days I spent Among the Limeri c k girls ; When up thr ough Gratl a woods I w ent Nutting with thee

And w e plu c ked the glossy clustering fruit

From many a bending tree .

Beneath the hazel boughs we sat ,

Thou , love, and I ,

And the gathered nuts lay in thy lap ,

Beneath thy dow ncast eye ;

’ w e O f w e d But little thought the store won ,

I , love , or thou ;

u a For our hearts were f ll , and we d re not own

’ The love that s spoken now .

’ w Oh , there s wars for illing hearts in Spain ,

And high Germanic 1

’ And I ll come back , ere long , again With knightly fame and fee

’ c And I ll come bac k , if I ever come ba k ,

Faithful to thee ,

That sat with thy white lap full of nuts ,

Beneath the hazel tree . I R - S ISH LOVE ONG S.

Th e Fa r - a r e r i h i d G i l .

(Irish Song . )

I E S R SAMU L F ERG USO N .

H E se t T sun has , the stars are still , The red moon hides behind the hill ;

n The tide has left the brow beach bare , The birds have fled the upper air Upon her branch the lone cuckoo

Is c hanting still her sad adieu

- And you , my fair haired girl , must go

Ac ross the salt sea under woe

I through love have learned three things

w e Sorro , Sin , and d ath it brings Yet day by day my heart within

e w Si n Dar s Shame and sorro , death and M aiden , you have aimed the dart, Rankling in my ruined heart

M o d aiden , may the G above Grant you grace to grant me love

’ S w eeter than the viol s string, And the notes that blackbirds sing Brighter than the dewdrops rare Is the maiden wondrous fair - IRISH L O VE SO NG S .

Like the silver swans at play

I S her nec k as bright as day Woe is me that e ’er my sight

D w elt on charms so deadly bright

m

N or a of the A m her H a ir .

(From the Irish . )

SI R SAMU E L FERG USON .

O - Co o l un O N RA , amber ,

It robs me of my rest , That my head should be forbidden

TO lie upon thy breast

It robs me of my rest , Love , And it breaks my heart and brain

And Oh that I could bear my dear Across the raging main

h O , valentine and sweetheart

Be true to w hat you s w ore When you promised me you ’ d marry Without a farthing store

’ h w d e w O , we d alk the together , And light our steps should be

- And Nora , amber coolum,

’ I d kiss you daintily . IR O E - S ISH L V O NG S . 3 7

Hard by the hol m Lives this white love of mine

’ Her thi c k hair s like amb e r ,

Which causes me to pine .

King of the Sabbath ,

Oh , grant me soon to see

My own fat cattle grazing

Around sweet Bal lyb uy

r Molly Astho e .

(Irish Song . )

SI R SAMU EL F ERG USO N .

M M OH , ary dear , oh , ary fair, 0 branch of generous stem ,

Of White blossom the banks of Nair, Though lilies grow on them

’ You ve left me sick at heart for love ,

s e So faint I cannot e ,

w The candle s ims the board above,

’ I m drunk for love of thee . O stately stem of maiden pride , M y woe it is , and pain ,

That I , thus severed from thy side , The long night must remain l R L O E - I ISH V SO NGS .

Through all the tow ns of I n is fail

' I ve w andered far and w ide ;

c But from Dow npatri k to Kinsale ,

From Carlow to Kilbride , ’M ong lords and dames of high degree ,

’ Where er my feet have gone ,

M M r y a y , one to equal thee

’ I ve never looked upon ; I live in darkness and in doubt

’ ’ Whene er my love s away , But w ere the blessed sun put out

w Her Shado would make day .

’ sh O f Tis e indeed , young bud bliss ,

’ s f And gentle as She air ,

- 5 Though lily white her bosom ,

And sunny bright her hair ,

w - And de y azure her blue eye ,

- And rosy red her c heek , h Yet brighter s e in modesty , M ore beautifully meek .

’ The world s w ise men from North to South

Can never c ure my pain ; But one kiss from her honey mouth Would make me whole again

0 R E - S 4 I ISH L OV ON G S .

P h F n ast een in .

(Irish Rustic Song . )

SI R SAMU EL F ERG USON .

’ Pas h n , my fair t e e is my heart s delight , OH Her gay heart laughs in her blue eye bright

- Like the apple blossom her bosom white ,

’ And her neck like the swan s on a March morn bright .

h an — O ro ! ! C Then , , come with me come with me come w ith me

O ro w , come ith me brown girl , sweet

And Oh I would go through snow and sleet ,

If you would come with me , brown girl , sweet

Love of my heart , my fair Pasth e e n

’ c Her heeks are red as the rose s sheen ,

But my lips have tasted no more , I ween ,

Than the glas s I drank to the health of my queen !

’ Were I in the town where s mirth and glee ,

’ O r b twixt two arrels of barley bree ,

Pasth n With my fair e e upon my knee, ’ Tis I would drink to her pleasantly l - I IRISH L O VE S O NG S . 4

Nine nights I lay in longing and pain ,

tw o Betwixt bushes, beneath the rain ,

Thinking to see you , love , again

But whistle and call were all in vain

’ I ll leave my people , both friend and foe

’ From al l the girls in the world I ll go

! Oh But from you , sweetheart , oh , never , no

Till I lie in the coffin stretched cold and l o w

! x P r x ea l of the Br east.

(From the Irish . )

G E O R G E P E T R I E .

’ E E c Ma T H R S a olleen fair as y , For a year and for a day I ’ve sought by every way her heart to There ’ s no art of tongue or eye

Fond youths with maidens try ,

’ But I ve tried with ceaseless sigh , yet

If to France or far - O ffSpain

’ She d cross the watery main , R E - S I ISH LOV O N G S .

’ To se e her fac e again the sea I d brave . And if ’tis Heaven ’ s decree

That mine sh e may not be

M ay the Son of M ary me in mercy save 1

- O thou blooming milk white dove ,

’ To whom I ve given true love ,

Do not ever thus reprove my c onstancy .

w There are maidens ould be mine ,

With wealth in hand and kine ,

If my heart would but inc line to turn from thee .

But a kiss with welcome bland ,

And a touc h of thy dear hand

’ Are all that I demand , would st thou not Spurn

For if not mine , dear girl ,

0 Snowy - Breasted Pearl M ay I never from th e fair with life return ! - IRISH LOVE S ONG S . 4 3

Cashel of Mu n ster .

(From the Irish . )

E D W A R D W A L S H .

O UL I W D wed you , dear , without gold or gear , or

counted kine ,

’ My wealth you ll be , would your friends agree , and you

be mine . M ! ’ y grief, my gloom that you do not come , my heart s dear hoard To Cashel fair though our couch were there but a soft

deal board .

’ - 0 come , my bride , o er the wild hill side to the valley low !

’ flow A downy bed for my love I ll spread where waters ,

s And we shall stray where streamlets play, the grove

among ,

’ Where ec ho tells to the listening dells the blackbird s

song .

o L ve tender, true , I gave to you , and secret sighs ,

In hope to see upon you and me one hour arise , When the priest ’ s blest voice would bind my choice and

’ the ring s strict tie ,

’ f w I ife you be , love , to one but me , love , in grief I ll die - 4 4 IRISH LOV E SO NG S .

’ c A ne k of white has my heart s delight , and breast like

snow , And flowing hair whose ringlets fair to the green grass

flow ,

Alas that I did not early die , before the day

’ That saw me here , from my bosom s dear , far , far away

The Ma id of Bally hau n is .

(From the Irish . )

E D W A R D W A L S H .

Y M M ary , dear , for thee I die

h c . O , pla e thy hand in mine , Love

M w C y fathers here ere hieftains high ,

c L . Then to my plaints in line , ove

0 Plaited - Hair that n ow we were

’ In w edloc k s band united

’ For, maiden mine , in grief I ll pine

Until our vows are plighted .

- Thou , Rowan Bloom , since thus I rove

All worn and faint to greet thee ,

Come to these arms, my constant love , With love as true to meet me E - IRISH L OV S O N G S . 4 5

Alas ! my head , its wits are fled , I ’ ve failed in filial duty M y sire did say, Shun , shun , for aye That Ballyhaunis beauty

’ ’ cu i l i n ba n But thy I marked one day ,

- fi ld Where the blooms of the bean e cluster ,

’ Thy bosom white like ocean s spray,

’ - Thy cheeks like rowan fruit s lustre . Thy tones that shame the wild bird ’ s fame

Who sings in the Summer weather ;

And oh , I sigh that thou and I Steal not from this world together 1

If with thy love thou wilt depart

To the Land of Ships , my fair Love No weary pain of head or heart

Shall haunt our slumbers there , Love h ’ O , haste away , ere cold Death s prey

My soul from thine withdrawn is

’ And my hope s reward , the c hurchyard sward In the tow n of Ballyhaunis

Fair flow in g h air . E - IRISH L OV SON G S .

K tt B an i y h .

(From the Irish . )

E D R D W A W A L SH .

BEFO RE the sun rose at yester - dawn I met a fair maid adown the lawn

The berry and snow to her cheek gave its glow ,

And her bosom was fair as the sailing swan . ? Then , pulse of my heart what gloom is thine

Her beautiful voice more hearts hath won

’ Than O rpheus lyre O fold hath done .

of Her ripe eyes blue were crystals of dew ,

O n sun the grass of the lawn before the .

An d , pulse of my heart what gloom is thine ?

R LO E - S N G I ISH V O S .

M - y grief to the night wind ,

For the mild maid to render , Who was my betrothed

Since infancy tender .

Remember the lone night

I last spent with you , L ove ,

- Beneath the dark Sloe tree ,

When the icy wind blew , Love . High praise to the Saviour l

0 N sin stain had found you ,

That your Virgina! glory

Shines brightly around you .

The priests and the friars

Are ceaselessly chiding , That I love a young maiden

In life not abiding . Oh ’ , I d Shelter and shield you If wild storms were swelling

And oh , my wrecked hope, That the cold earth ’ s your dwelling l E - IRISH LOV SO N G S . 4 9

Belo o F ved f the lax en Tr esses.

(From the Irish .)

E R D W A D W A L S H .

T Ballin ah in ch A , my dear ,

Abides this long , long year , Than the Summer sun more brightly shining

’ Where er her footsteps go,

- flow rs Fair honey e will grow,

’ ’ Even though twere Winter s dark declining .

If to my net she sped ,

’ Twould ease my heart and head ,

Where cruel Love his burning brand impresses .

From all that livi ng be ,

’ I ll choose no mate but thee , Beloved of the flaxen tresses

At the bridge of the Avonmore

’ I saw my bosom s store , The maiden of the ringlets yellow M ore sweet her kisses be

Than honey from the tree ,

r O festive Spanish wine, of flavour mellow. C o R O E - SON s I ISH L V G S .

Her bosom , globes of white ,

Sweet , fragrant , perfect , bright ,

Like drifted snow the mountai n S presses . The cuckoo ’ s notes resound

’ h o r In Winter where t u t found , Beloved of the flaxen tresses

Oh , if the boon were mine ,

’ From beauty s ranks divine ,

To choose for aye the fairest maiden , ’Twere her to whom sweet lays f Consign the palm o praise ,

For whom a thousand hearts with love are laden . Such maid did once inspire

’ The Hebrew monarch s lyre.

u B t oh , thine eye more dignity expresses l

Believe my woe , I crave .

Oh , snatch me from the grave , Beloved of the flaxen tresses R O E - S I ISH L V O N G S .

C n n el l n o a .

(From the I rish . )

E D R W A D W A L S H .

- OH , pearl decked beauteous Celia, M y first love of mildness rare ,

My life full fast is fading ,

My soul is weary , vexed with care

- Come , snowy bosomed maiden ,

And rove with me the valleys deep ,

r O darkest gloom shall seize me , Till in the pitying grave I sleep

Come , place the cups before us ,

’ Let choicest wines their brims o erflow

’ We ll drown in draughts oblivious , The memory of her breast of snow

’ Her neck that s softer , fairer , Than silk or plumes of snow y white For memory wild pursues her When severed from my longing sight < 2 R - S I ISH L OV E ONG S .

Were thou and I , cl ear Smooth - neck f O mild cheek and bosom white , In a summer vale of sweetness Reposing through the beauteous night No living thing around us

. But heath cocks wild till break of dawn . h O , the sunlight of my bosom

Were little Celia Con n ell an

r ao bh i n o I M0 C i Cn .

EDWA RD WALS H .

MY heart is far from Liffey’s tide And Dublin town It strays beyond the Southern side

OfKn ockm el e d ow n .

Where Cappoquin hath woodlands green ,

’ - r Where Am h an M h o s waters flow ,

Where dwells unsung , unsought , unseen , ’ M o Cr aoi bh i n Cn o .

Low clustering in her leafy screen ,

M o Cr aoi bh i n Cn o !

n d m a cr e veen — era m cl uster o n u s— Pron ou ce e O lit lly , y f t th at

- i s u b r w n m a i d . , my n t o - IRISH L O VE S O NG S . 53

The high - bred dames of Dublin town

Are rich and fair ,

With wavy plume and silken gown , And stately air Can plumes compare thy dark brow n hair ? Can silk thy neck of snow ? Or measured pace thine artless grace ?

M o Cr aoi bh in Cn o /

Wh en harebells scarcely show thy trace , ’ M o Cr aoi bh i n Cn o .

’ ' ’ I ve heard the songs by L ifle y s wave

That maidens sung,

’ They sung their land , the Saxon s slave ,

In Saxon tongue .

Oh , bring me here that Gaelic dear

Which cursed the Saxon foe ,

When thou didst charm my raptured ear ,

M o Cr aoibh i n On e !

’ And none but God s good angels near ,

M o Cr aoi bh i n Cn o l

I ’ve wandered by the rolling Lee ’ And Lene s green bowers,

’ ’ I ve seen the Shannon s wide - spread sea

’ And Limerick s towers , ff ’ And Li ey s tide, where halls of pride Frown o ’ er the flood below

’ M Am an - M h r s y wild heart strays to h o side ,

M o Cr aoi bh i n Cn o ! h With love and thee for aye to id e ,

M o Cr aoi bh i n On e ! R O E - S 54 I ISH L V O NG S .

Fa ir r Bar r y Ma y y .

(From the Irish . )

DR. G EORG E SIG ERSON .

M - , Fairy ary Barry , I tarry down hearted OH n Unknow to friend or kin , health and wealth have departed

’ When I m going to my bed or I wake in the morning , M y thought is still of you and your cruel , cruel scorning .

Oh F M , airy ary Barry , take counsel , my bright Love ,

And send away the stranger from out of your sight , Love ,

’ With all his fine airs , but there s more truth in me , Love ,

o And come to me , machree , since our parents agree , L ve .

I thought I could coax you with promise and kisses ,

I thought I could coax you with vows and caresses,

I thought I could coax you ere yellowed the barley ,

’ But you ve left me to the new year in sore sorrow fairly .

‘ Tis delight to the earth when your little feet press it , ’ S Tis delight to the earth when your Sweet ingings bless it , ’ Tis delight to the earth when you lie , Love , upon it But , oh , his delight who your heart , Love , has won it

E - 56 IRISH L O V S O N G S .

I was upon the mountain , and saw there your love

I saw there your own one , your queen and your dove I saw there the maiden with the step firm and free t And sh e was n o pining in sorrow like thee .

L Ou tlaw of en e.

(From the Irish . )

J . J . C A L L A N A N .

O H , many a day have I made good ale in the glen , That came not of stream or malt— like the brewing

O f men , M y bed was the ground my roof the green wood above ,

And the wealth that I sought , one far , kind glance from

my Love .

Alas, on that night when the horses I drove from the

field , n That I was not near my a gel from terror to Shield , She stretched forth her arms— her mantle she flung to

the wind ,

’ An d swam o er Loch Lene her outlawed lover to find . - IRISH L OV E S ON G S . 57

- 0 would that the freezing sleet winged tempest did sweep ,

O H And I and my Love were alone , far on the deep

’ I d ask not a ship , or a bark , or pinnace to save , With her hand round my waist I ’d fear not the wind or

the wave .

’ Tis down by the lake where the wild tree fringes its

sides,

The maid of my heart , my fair one of heaven , resides

I think as at eve she wanders its mazes along ,

The birds go to sleep by the wild , sweet twist of her

song .

e Gir l I L ve Th o .

J . J . CALLANAN .

H E T girl I love is comely , straight , and tall Dow n her white neck her auburn tresses fall

Her dress is neat , her carriage light and free ,

’ ’ Here s a health to that charming maid , w h oe er she be

l! ! C R O E - S I ISH L V O NG S .

The rose ’s blush but fades beside her cheek

Her eyes are blue , her forehead pale and meek Her lips like cherries on a summer tree

’ ’ Here s a health to that charming maid , w h oe er she be

When I go to the field no youth can lighter bound , And I freely pay when the cheerful jug goes round

. The barrel is full ; but i ts heart we soon shall se e ’ h ’ Come , here s to that charming maid , woe e r she be

’ Had I the wealth that props the Saxon s reign ,

r c O the diamond crown that de ks the King of Spain ,

’ ' I d yield them al l i fshe kindly smiled on me

’ ’ w h o s Here s a health to the maid I love , e e r h e be

’ Five pounds of gold for each lock of her hair I d pay , And five times five for my love one hour each day Her voice is more sweet than the thrush on its own green tree

Then , my dear , may I drink a fond , deep health to thee - IRISH L OVE S ONG S . 59

e Boatm an o K n sale Th f i .

THOMAS DAVIS .

I S H kiss is sweet , his word is kind , His love is ric h to me I could not in a palace find

A truer Love than he . The eagle shelters not his nest From hurricane and hail

More bravely than he guards my breast ,

The Boatman of Kinsale .

The wind that round the Fastn et sweeps

Is not a whit more pure , The goat that dow n Knock Sheehy leaps

Has not a foot more sure . No firmer hand nor freer eye

’ E e r faced an autumn gale .

’ so De Courcy s heart is not high ,

The Boatman of Kinsale .

The brawling squires may heed him not

The dainty stranger sneer , But who will dare to hurt our cot

’ When Myles O H ea is here ? 6 - o IRISH LOVE SO N G S .

The scarlet soldiers pass along , They ’ d like but fear to rail i i His blood is hot , h s blow s strong,

The Boatman of Kinsale .

’ His hooker s in the Scilly v an When seines are in the foam

But money never made the man ,

Nor wealth a happy home .

So blest with love and liberty ,

While he can trim a sail ,

’ od He ll trust in G , and cling to me ,

The Boatman of Kinsale .

la

e Gir l o D Th f un bwy .

D THOMAS AVIS .

7TIS pretty to see the girl of Dun b wy

Stepping the mountain statelily ,

Though ragged her gown and naked her feet ,

No lady in Ireland to match her is meet .

Poor is her diet , and hardly She lies , Yet a monarch might kneel for a glance of her eyes

’ The child of a peasant , yet England s proud queen

s h e h e r Ha less rank in r h eart , and less grace in mien . R O E - SO G 6 I ISH L V N S . I

’ Her brow neath her raven hair gleams , just as if ’ f A breaker Spread white neath a shadowy cli f, And love and devotion and energy speak

- - From her beauty proud eye and her passion pale cheek .

’ But pale as her cheek is there s pink on her lip ,

’ And her teeth flash as white as the crescent moon s tip , And her form and her step like the red deer ’s go past

As lightsome , as lovely , as haughty , as fast .

I saw her but once , and I looked in her eye , And she knew that I worshipped her passing her by

sh The saint of the wayside, e granted my prayer,

Though we spoke not a word , for her mother was there .

I never can think upon Bantry ’s bright hills

But her image starts up, and my longing eye fills

“ ’ And I whisper her softly , Again , love , we ll meet ,

’ ” And I ll lie in your bosom , and live at your feet . 6 2 R O E - S G I ISH L V ON S .

! Com to e D e est ar . e M ,

OS E RE J PH B NNAN .

OME ’ C to me , dearest , I m lonely without you ’ Day - time and night - time I m thinking about

Night - time and day - time in dreams I behold you

U . nwelcome the waking which ceases to fold you .

Come to me , darling , my sorrows to lighten , Come in your beauty to bless and to brighten

Come in your womanhood , meekly and lowly ,

Come in your lovingness , queenly and holy .

Swallows will flit round the desolate ruin , Telling of Spring and its joyous renewi ng

And thoughts of your love and its manifold treasure ,

Are circling my heart with a promise of pleasure .

0 0 M a Spring of my Spirit , y of my bosom , Shine on my soul till it burgeon and blossom

The waste of my life has a rose root within it ,

And your fondness alone to the sunshine can win it .

Y ou have been glad when you knew I was gladdened

Dear , are you sad now to hear I am saddened ?

Our hearts ever answer in tune and in time , Love , L As octave to octave , and rhyme unto rhyme, ove . I cannot weep but your tears will be flowing

You cannot smile but my cheeks will be glowing ;

I would not die without you at my side, Love ;

You . will not linger when I shall have died , Love

- IRISH L OVE S ON G S .

With a blush and a smile , Kitty rose up , the while

Her eye in the glass , as she bound her hair , glancing

’ h ard Tis to refuse when a young lover sues,

’ So she couldn t but choose to go o ffto the dancing .

n ow And on the green the glad groups are seen ,

E - w ach gay hearted lad ith the lass of his choosing ,

And Pat , without fail , leads out sweet Kitty Neil ,

’ sh e Somehow when asked he ne er thought of refusing .

Ma Now Felix gee puts his pipes to his knee ,

And with flourish so free sets each couple in motion ,

With a cheer and a bound the lads patter the ground , And the maids move around just like swans on the ocean

’ Cheeks bright as the rose , feet light as the doe s ,

Now coyly retiring , now boldly advancing ,

Search the world all around , from the sky to the ground , No such sight can be found as an Irish lass dancing

Sweet Kate , who could view your bright eyes of deep blue

Beaming humidly through the dark lashes so mildly ,

- Your fair turned arm , heaving breast , rounded form ,

Nor feel his heart warm , and his pulses throb wildly ? Y oung Pat feels his heart , as he gazes , depart , Subdued by the smart of such painful yet sweet love

The sight leaves his eye , as he cries, with a sigh, “ Dance light , for my heart it lies under your feet , ” Love . R E - I ISH L OV S ONG S .

A ileen .

JOHN BANIM .

i I S T not for love of gold I go , ’ Tis not for love of fame

Though Fortune should her smile bestow ,

And I may win a name,

Aileen ,

And I may win a name .

And yet it is for gold I go ,

And yet it is for fame,

That they may deck another brow ,

And bless another name ,

Aileen ,

And bless another name .

For this , but this, I go , for this I lose thy love awhile And all the soft and quiet bliss Of thy young, faithful smile ,

Aileen ,

Of . thy young, faithful smile 6 6 E - S IRISH LOV ON G S .

And I go to brave a world I hate, And woo it o ’ er and o ’ er

And tempt a wave , and try a fate U pon a stranger shore ,

Aileen ,

Upon a stranger shore .

when the bays are all my own , I know a heart will care

when the gold is wooed and won ,

I know a brow shall wear ,

Aileen , I know a brow shall wear

And when with both returned again ,

se e My native land to , h I know a smile will meet me t ere ,

And a hand will welcome me ,

Aileen , A hand will welcome me - 6 IRISH L OVE SO NG S . 7

e I r s Wi e Th i h f .

E ’ ( arl Desmond s Apology .

’ THOMAS D ARcv MAG EE.

I WO ULD not give my Irish wife For all the dames of the Saxon land ; I would not give my Irish wife For the Q ueen of France ’ s hand

For Sh e to me is dearer

Than castles strong, or lands , or life

’ An outlaw , so I m near her ,

To love till death my Irish wife .

Oh , what would be this home of mine ?

- A ruined , hermit haunted place, But for the light that still will shine Upon its walls from Kathleen ’s face What comfort in a mine of gold ? Wh at pleasure in a royal life ?

If the heart within lay dead and cold ,

If I could not wed my Irish wife .

In I 3 76 th e Sta tute of Kilk e n n y forb ade th e En glish se ttlers i n re an d to n e m arr w h th e r sh n d e r a n ofo aw r am e s I l i t r y it I i u p i utl y . J , Ear of De sm o n w as on e of th e fi s to o a e h law H w l d , r t vi l t t is . e as an accomplish e d poe t . 68 - IRISH L O VE S ON G S .

I knew the laws forbade the banns , I knew my King abhorred her race Who never bent before their clans M ’ ust bow before their ladies grace .

Take all my forfeited domain , I cannot wage with kinsmen Strife

Take knightly gear and noble name ,

And I will keep my Irish wife .

My Irish wife has clear blue eyes ,

My heaven by day , my stars by night ,

- And , twin like , truth and fondness li e

Within her swelling bosom white .

My Irish wife has golden hair

’ Apollo s harp had once such strings , Apollo ’ s self might pause to hear

- h Her bird like carol when S e sings .

I would not give my Irish wife For all the dames of the Saxon land I would not give my Irish wife

’ ' Fran s h an d For the Q ueen of ce . For she to me is dearer

Than castles strong, or lands , or life

In death I would lie near her ,

And rise beside my Irish wife . - IRISH L OVE SO N G S .

Mem or i es .

’ EE THOMAS D A RCY MAG .

EF L I L T two oves on a distant strand ,

On e fair and young and white of hand ,

O n e fair and Old and sadly grand , M y wedded wife and my native land .

On e tarrieth sad and seriously Beneath the roof that mine should be ;

On e sitteth sibyl - like by the sea ,

Chanting a grave song mournfully .

A little life I have not seen Lies by the heart that mine hath been

A cypress wreath darkles now , I ween ,

Over the brow of my Love in green .

The mother and wife shall pass away,

Her h ands be dust , her lips be clay ; But my other “Love on earth shall stay

And live in the life of a better day .

Er e we were born my first Love was ,

My sires were heirs to her holy cause

’ And she yet shall sit in the world s applause ,

A mother of men and blessed laws . R L E - S I ISH OV ONG S .

I hope and strive the while I sigh , For I know my first Love cannot die From the chain of woes that loom so high E Her reign shall reach to ternity.

I L ove m y L ove i n the

G ERALD GRIFFIN .

OVE L I L my ove in the morning , Foi She like morn is fair i Her blushing cheek ts crimson streak ,

Its clouds her golden hair,

Her glance its beam so soft and kind ,

Her tears its dewy showers , And her voice the tender whispering wind

That stirs the early bowers .

I love my Love in the morning ,

I love my Love at noon ,

h e For s is bright as the lord of light ,

’ Yet mild as Autumn s moon .

’ Her beauty is my bosom s sun , H f er faith my ostering shade , And I will love my darling one

Till ever the sun shall fade .

2 - S 7 IRISH LOVE ON G S .

’ “ cr am d affin h S e Ch c , Sweet , sweet , sweet

Pretty lovey , come and meet me here ” Ch afli n ch , quoth I , be dumb awhile , in fear

Thy darling prove no better than a cheat ,

And never come , or fly when wintry days appear .

Yet from a twig,

With voice so big ,

The little fowl his utterance did repeat .

“ Then I , The man forlorn , E Hears arth send up a foolish noise aloft .

’ ’ ” ’ And what 11 h e do ? What 11 h e do ? scoff d

The Blackbird standing , in an ancient thorn , flit d Then Spread his sooty wings and te to the croft , With cackling laugh

Whom I , being half E nraged , called after , giving back his scorn .

’ Worse m ock d the Thrush , Die die ? Oh , could he do it could he do it Nay 1 1 Be quic k be quick Here, here , here (went his lay . ) “ ? Take heed take heed then , Why ? why why ? why why

See - e e now se e - e e now ! (he drawled) Back back

back R- r - r - run away

O Thrush , be still

O r at thy will

Seek some less sad interpreter than I . R E - S G I ISH LO V O N S . 73

Air , air ! blue air and white

” O O w l Whither I flee , whither , whither , hither I flee L (Thus the ark hurried , mounting from the lea)

Hills , countries , many waters glittering bright

se e ! Whither I see , whither I deeper , deeper, deeper ,

se e whither I see , see , ” G a L y ark , I said , The song that ’s bred

In happy nest may w ell to heaven make flight .

’ There s something , something sad ” I half remember, piped a broken strain .

Well sung , sweet Robin Robin sung again .

’ w e ! Spring s opening c heerily , c heerily be glad

w h c Which moved , I wist not y , me melan holy mad ,

Till now , grown meek ,

With wetted c heek ,

Most comforting and gentle thoughts I had .

Among the H eather .

WILLIAM ALLING H AM .

’ N E o e rtook col leen O evening walking out I a modest ,

When the wind was blowing cool , and the harvest

leaves were falling . D - 74 IRISH L O VE S O NG S .

c ? M Is our road , by chan e , the same ight we travel on together

h - n O , I keep the mountain side (she replied) amo g the ” heather .

Your mountain air is sweet w hen the days are long and

sunny ,

c w \Vhen the grass grows round the ro ks , and the hin bloom smells like honey

’ w But the inter s coming fast , with its foggy , snowy

w eather,

’ And you ll find it bleak and c hill on your hill among the ” heather .

’ She praised her mountain home ; and I ll praise it too ,

with reason , ’ ’ i s For where Molly , there s sunshine and flow rs at every

season .

Be the moorland black or white , does it signify a feather ,

Now I know the way by heart , every part , among the heather ?

The sun goes down in haste, and the night falls thick and stormy ; Yet I ’ d travel twenty miles to the welcome that ’ s before me

Esk d u n Singing hi for y , in the teeth of wind and weather ’ L w ove ll warm me as I go through the sno , among the

heather . - I RISH L OVE SO NG S . 75

n L ovely Mary Do n elly .

WILLIAM ALLINGHAM .

VEL M ! , O Y ary Donnelly, my joy , my only best OH L ’ se e If fifty girls were round you , I d hardly the rest ;

’ 0 c Be what it may the time day , the pla e be where it will ,

’ w 0 M S eet looks ary Donnelly , they bloom before me

still .

’ c Her eyes like mountain water that s flowing on a ro k ,

c h o w ! How lear they are , dark they are they give me many a shock

w Red rowans arm in sunshine and wetted with a Shower, Could ne ’ er express the charming lip that has me in its

’ pow r .

Her nose is straight and handsome, her eyebrows lifted

u p ;

i s Her chin very neat and pert , and smooth like a china

cup ;

’ Her hair s the brag of Ireland , so weighty and so fine

’ ’ ath e r d It s rolling down upon her neck , and g in a twine .

’ The dance 0 last Wh it - Monday night exceeded all before ; No pretty girl for miles about was missing from the

floor ;

’ M 0 sh But ary kept the belt love , and 0 but e was gay

She danced a jig , she sung a song, that took my heart away 6 R E - S 7 I ISH LO V O NG S .

c When she stood up for dan ing , her steps were so com l p e te , The music nearly killed itself to listen to her feet

’ so c The fiddler moun d his blindness , he heard her mu h

praised ,

’ But b l e ss d his luck to not be deaf when once her voi c e

sh e raised

’ w w And evermore I m histling or lilting hat you sung ,

s Your smile is alway in my heart , your name beside my

tongue ;

’ ’ But you ve as many sweethearts as you d c ount on both

your hands ,

’ And for myself there s not a thumb or little finger stands .

’ ’ ’ Tis you re the flower 0 womankind in c ountry or in town

’ l c The higher I exalt you , the ower I m ast down . If some great lord should come this way and see your

beauty bright ,

’ is And you to be h lady, I d own it was but right .

0 might we live together in a lofty palacehall ,

Where joyful music rises , and where scarlet curtains fall !

0 might we live together in a cottage mean and small ,

’ With sods o grass the only roof, and mud the only wall

M ’ O lovely ary Donnelly , your beauty s my distress

’ ’ It s far too beauteous to be mine , but I ll never wish it

less .

The proudest place would fit your face , and I am poor and low ;

But blessings be about you , dear , wherever you may go ! - I RISH L OV E SO NGS. 77

0h Wer e my L ove .

G WILLIAM ALLIN HAM .

were my Love a country lass , O H That I might see her every day ,

And Sit with her on hedgerow grass

Beneath a bough of may ;

And find her cattle when astray,

O r help to drive them to the field ,

w w a And linger on our home ard y , And woo her lips to yield

w A t ilight kiss before we parted ,

- Full of love , yet easy hearted .

Oh were my Love a cottage maid ,

To spin through many a winter night ,

‘ Where ingle - c orner lends its shade

- From fir wood blazing bright .

w Beside her heel , what dear delight

To watch the blushes go and come ,

With tender words , that took no fright Beneath the friendly hum

O r - rising smile , or tear drop swelling ,

’ At a fireside legend s telling . R LO E - S I ISH V O NG S .

Oh w L ere my ove a peasant girl ,

That never saw the w ic ked town

Was never dight with silk or pearl ,

c But gra ed a homely gown . How little force in fashion ’ s frown To vex our unambitious lot

H o w rich w ere love and peace to crown

O u r green secluded cot Where Age would come serene and shining

’ Like an autumn day s dec lining .

RE D E ERE AUB Y V .

PH CEB U S paced the wooded mountain ;

w . Kindled da n , and met a doe

w ro ve st Child , hat ails thee that thou

’ O e r my bright hills sad and Slow

That upon thy left side only Thou thy noontide sleep dost take ? That thy foot the fountain troubles Ever ere thy thirst thou slake

80 R E - S I ISH L O V O NG S .

sh And then e sang a loud , sweet music ,

Yet louder as aloft it c lomb

Soft when her c urving lips it left

w Then rising till the heavens ere cleft ,

c As though ea h strain, on high expanding,

Were echoed in a silver dome .

But ah she sings she does not love me

’ She loves to say sh e ne er can love

To me her beauty she denies , Bending the while on me those eyes

c Whose beams might harm the mountain leopard ,

’ O r lure Jove s herald from above

RE Y DE E RE AUB V .

H E S says Poor Friend , you waste a treasure ’ Wh ic h you can ne er regain

Time , health , and glory , for the pleasure f O toying with a chain .

But then her voice so tender grows ,

So kind and so caressing Each murmur from her lips that flows

Comes to me like a blessing . R O E - S I ISH L V O N G S. 8 1

“ : Sometimes she says Sweet Friend , I grieve you

Alas , it gives me pain ? What can Ah , might r l v y I I e ie e ou , You ne ’ er had mourned in vain l ”

And then her little hand sh e presses

o Up n her heart , and sighs

w c sh e While tears , hose sour e not yet guesses ,

G row larger in her eyes .

’ Flor en ce M ac Ca r thy s Fa r ew ell

is E n l sh L e h g i ov .

AUB RE Y DE VERE .

MY pensive - bro w ed Evangelin e W ’ hat says to thee old Windsor s pine,

’ Wh ose shadow o er the pleasaunce sw ays ?

It says Ere long the evening star

Will pierc e my darkness from afar .

I grieve as one with grief w h o plays .

Evangeli ne Evan geline

In that far - distant land of mine There stands a yew tree among tombs

For ages there that tree has stood ,

A blac k pall clashed with drops of blood

’ O e r all my world it breathes its glooms ” D - 8 2 IRISH LO VE SON G S .

E ’ ngland s fair child , Evangeline

- Because my yew tree is not thine ,

w ar Because thy gods on mine wage , Farewell Back fall the gates of brass The exile to his own must pass

I seek the land of tombs onc e more .

E E YE E AUB R Y D R .

VE c m G I me ba k y heart , fair child ’ T0 you as yet t w ere worth but little

u Half beguiler , half beg iled ,

Be you warned your o w n is brittle .

Hid it ? Dropt it on the moors ? ? Lost it , and you cannot find it

M w y own heart I ant , not yours

You have bound , and must unbind it .

Fling it from you Youth is strong L ove is trouble Love is folly .

Love , that makes an old heart young ,

Makes a young heart melancholy . - IRISH LO VE S O N G S .

M i n n i e .

TH O S L FI EL D RW MA CAU I IN .

L O CRYSTA Well , P lay daintily on golden sands ,

sh e c When omes at morning lonely ,

Follow ed by her shadow only ,

To bathe those little tender hands , All aweary gathering

Seeds to make her blue bird sing. 0 crystal Well

0 Forest brown ,

Breathe thy richest twilight balm , h As s e wanders , pulling willow L eaflets for her fragrant pillow ,

Whic h w ith snowy cheek and c alm

She Shall press with half- c losed eyes While the great stars o ’ er thee rise

0 Forest brow n

M 0 Lady oon ,

Light her as sh e mounts the stair

To her little sacred Chamber Like a mother and remember

While sh e slumbers full of prayer Sweetly then to fill her heart

w With dreams of heaven , here thou 0 Lady Moon R E - I ISH L O V SONGS.

M y U l ich .

F R A N C I S D A V I S .

Y U c M li k is sturdy and strong, And light is his foot on the heather

And truth has been w e d to h i s tongue

Sinc e first w e w ere talking together

And though he is lord of no lands ,

c c Nor astle , nor attle , nor dairy , M y boy has his health and his hands ,

- And a heart l oad of love for his Mary . And what should a maiden wish more ?

O n e day at the heel of the eve

I mind it was sno w ing and blowing M y mother was knitting , I believe

w i For me , I w as singing and se ng

’ M w y father had read the ne s o er ,

' ’ ’ sat e m And as he humming , We ll wake

My Ulick stepped in at the door

As white as the weather could make him . True love never cooled with a frost

w He Shook the sno out of his frieze ,

And drew up a chair by my father .

My spirits leaped up in my eyes

e To se the two sitting together . IRISH L O VE - S O NG S. 85

They talked of our land and its wrongs Till both were as mad as starvation

Then Ulick sang three or four songs ,

And closed with Hurrah for th e N ati on h ’ O , Ulick s an Irishman still l

My father c aught hold of his hand Their hearts melted into each other

’ While tears that she c ouldn t c ommand

Broke loose from the eyes of my mother . ” O ur h r freedom , s e sighed w i rasth ru e A w oman can say little in it

But had it to come by you two ,

’ I ve a guess at the way we would win it .

’ Twould not be by weeping , I swear

e u m er is C me Th S m o .

RO B ERT DWYER JOYC E .

i s H E summer is come and the grass green ,

The gay flowers spring where the snow was seen ,,

a The ships are sailing upon the se ,

’ An d I ll soon have tidings of G ra Machree . - 86 IRISH L OV E SO N G S .

h O , weary weary , the long dull night

’ I si t and sigh for my heart s delight , And in my dreaming see constantly

The stately form of my G ra M achree .

The birds are singing from brake and bough ,

And sweetly , sweetly remind me now

Of the day we danced by the village tree , f M When I won the heart o my G ra achree .

’ But oh I m sure , while the sunbeams glow

S w While flowers are pringing and soft winds blo , The white ships sailing upon the sea

ra M Will soon bring tidings of G achree .

The Win d that Shah es the

ROB ERT DWY ER JOYC E .

I SAT within the valley green ,

I sat me with my true love .

My sad heart strove the two between

The old love and the new love .

- 8 8 I RISH L OV E S O NG S.

And round her grave I wander drear ,

Noon , night , and morning early . With breaking heart whene ’er I hear The wind that shakes the barley

L Th e R eje c te d o v e r .

ED E E ALFR P ERC VAL G RAV S .

’ I n n i sfal le n s ON fairy isle ,

Amid the blooming bushes ,

’ We leant upon the lover s stile , And listened to the thrushes

When first I sighed to se e her smile ,

And smiled to see her blushes .

Her hair was bright as beaten gold , And soft as spider ’s spinning

Her cheek out - bloomed the appl e old

That se t our parents sinning ;

And in h e r eyes you ' rn igh t behold M y joys and griefs beginning . - IR ISH L O VE SO NG S .

’ In I n n isfal le n s fairy grove

I hushed my happy wooing , To listen to the brooding dove

Amid the branc hes cooing But oh ! how short those hours love How long their bitter rueing

Poor cushat Thy complaining breast With woe like mine is heaving With thee I mourn a fruitless quest

For ah with art deceiving ,

- The cuckoo bird has robbed my nest ,

And left me wildly grieving .

’ Tw a s P r ett to be i n B ll n e y a i d r ry .

D ALFRE P ERCEVAL G RAV ES .

i WAS T pretty to be in Ballinderry , ’ w T as pretty to be in Aghalee ,

’ ’ Twas prettier to be in little Ram s Island , Trysting under the ivy tree

O c hone , ochone ! Ochone , oc hone

’ For often I roved in little Ram s Island ,

Side by side with Ph e lim y Hyland ,

’ ’ And still he d court me , and I d be coy ,

Though at heart I loved him , my handsome 0 R - 9 I ISH L O VE S ON G S .

“ ’ “ I m going , he sighed , from Ballinderry

O ut and across the stormy se a ; M Then if in your heart you love me , ary ,

Open your arms at last to me .

O chone , ochone

O c ! chone , o hone

O I pened my arms , how well he knew me I opened my arms and took him to me And there in the gloom of the groaning mast

We kissed our first and we kissed our last .

’ ’ Twas happy to be in little Ram s Island ,

’ But now tis as sad as sad c an be ;

For the ship that sailed w ith Ph e l im y Hyland

Is sunk for ever beneath the sea .

c c ! O hone , o hone 1 O c hone , oc hone

’ And tis oh but I w ear the weeping willow

And wander alone by the lonesome billow,

se a And cry to him over the cruel ,

Ph li m e y Hyland , come back to me R - S 1 I ISH L O VE O N G S . 9

' The White Blossom s of the B og .

ED E R E R E ALFR P C VAL G AV S .

’ TH E white blossom s off the b og and the leaves are o ff the trees , And the singing birds have scattered across the stormy seas l ’ And oh - tis winter,

w Wild , ild winter With the lonesome wind sighing for ever through the

trees .

H o w green the leaves were springing how glad the birds

w ere singing

’ When I rested in the meadow with my head on Patri c k s knees

’ ! - And oh twas spring time ,

- Sweet , sweet spring time

With the daisies all dancing before in the breeze .

With the spring the fresh leaves they ’ ll laugh upon the

trees ,

’ And the birds they ll flutter bac k with their songs across

the seas,

’ ’ But I ll never rest again with my head on Patric k s

knees ;

’ And for me twill be winter ,

All the year winter , With the lonesome wind sighing for ever through the trees! - IR ISH LO V E SO N G S.

M a i r e m y G i r l .

O EEG E J HN K AN CAS Y .

O VER the dim blue hills Strays a wild river Over the dim blue hills

Rests my heart ever . Dearer and brighter than

w Je els and pearl ,

Dwells sh e in beauty there ,

M a i r e my girl .

Dow n upon Claris heath Shines the soft berry

O n the brown harvest tree

Droops the red c herry .

w S eeter thy honey lips ,

Softer the c url

c Straying adown thy heeks ,

l a i r [l e my girl .

’ Tw as on an April eve

That I first met her ; Many an eve shall pass

Ere I forget her . E - S IRISH LO V O NG S . 93 Since my young heart has been

Wrapped in a whirl , Thinking and dreaming of

M a i r e my girl .

She is too kind and fond E ver to grieve me , She has too pure a heart

’ E e r to deceive me .

’ T rcon n el s i Were I y Ch ef,

’ r E O Desmond s arl , Life would be dark w ithout

Al ai r e my girl

Over the dim blue hills Strays a w ild river Over the dim blue hills

Rests my heart ever . Dearer and brighter than

Jewels or pearl ,

Dwells she in beauty there ,

M a i r e my gi rl ! - 94 IRISH L O VE S O N G S .

G r ac e 0 ac r ee i g M h .

(A Song of “ the Wild Geese

H KE E JO N EG AN CAS Y .

PL E I AC D the silver in her palm , ’ I n n s By y smiling tide ,

And vowed ere summer - time came on

c To laim her as a bride .

- But when the summer time came on ,

I dwelt beyond the se a Yet still my heart is ever true

To Gr aci e 0g [Mach r ee .

Oh , bonny are the woods of Targ,

And green thy hills , Rathmore , And soft the sunlight ever falls

’ On Darre s sloping shore — And there the eyes I love i n tears

Shine ever mournfully .

While I am far, and far away

From Gr aci e 0g M ach r ee .

RI O E - S I SH L V O N G S .

Wh y did my Summer not begin Why did my heart not haste ?

My old Love came and walked therein

And laid the garden waste .

Sh e w entered ith her weary smile , Just as of old

She looked around a little w hile

And shivered with the c old .

Her passing touc h was death to all , Her passing look a blight

- She made the w hite rose petals fall ,

And turned the red rose w hite .

Her pale robe c linging to the grass Seemed like a snake

That bit the grass and ground , alas

And a sad trail did make .

She went up slowly to the gate ,

And then , just as of yore , She turned back at the last to wait

And say farewell on c e more . - G IRISH L OVE SON S .

d I T0 God an r el an d Tr u e .

’ ELL EN O L EA RY .

I SIT beside my darling ’s grave

Who in the prison died , And though my tears fall thick and I think of him with pride A y , softly fall my tears like dew ,

For one to God and Ireland true .

d ’ I love my Go o er all , he said , “ And then I love my land , And next I love my Lily sweet Who pledged me her white hand

’ To each , to all , I m ever true ,

d . To Go , to Ireland , and to you

No tender nurse his hard bed smoothed ,

O r softly raised his head He fell asleep and woke in heaven

Ere I knew he was dead

Yet w h y should I my darling rue ?

He was to God and Ireland true .

E - I RISH L OVE S ON G S .

’ Oh , tis a glorious memory I ’ m prouder than a queen To sit beside my hero ’s grave And think on what has been

And 0 my darling , I am true

To God , to Ireland , and to you

Se.

After A ug h r im .

AR'I’ H R G E R G E G H E U ALD O G AN .

O D you remember long ago , Kathaleen

When your lover whispered low ,

Shall I stay or shall I go , Kathaleen

And you answered proudly , Go And join King James and strike a blo w ” For the Green .

h I avr n o e, your hair is white as snow, Kathaleen

sa Your heart is d and full of woe ,

Do you repent you bade him go, Kathaleen

c O But qui k you answer proudly , N

rsfi ld For better die with Sa e so , Than live a slave without a blow ” For the Green .

I OO E - S IRISH LOV O N G S .

a But they never took him living in Agh d oe , Agh ad oe

A h ad oe With the bullets in his heart in g ,

— m th e w There he lay , the head y breast keeps armth where once ’ twould rest ’ A h Gone , to win the traitor s gold from g ad oe

A h ad o e A a I walked to Mallow Town from g , gh d oe ,

’ Brought his head from the gaol s gate to Agh ad oe , Then I covered him with fern and I piled on him the

cairn ,

ad Like an Irish king he sleeps in Agh oe .

h h ad o ad oe O , to creep into that cairn in Ag e , Agh

There to rest upon his breast in Agh ad o e Sure your dog for you could die with no truer heart than I

h ad Your own love cold on your cairn in Ag oe .

G ir lhood at Midn ight .

D ROSA MU L H OL L AN .

O U TH art not coming , sleep then hie away ,

And let my leaping thoughts be quit of thee .

The moon hath teemed upon my chamber - floor A rain of tender light from Paradise R O E - SO G I I ISH L V N S . O I

And round my casement , yawning to the blue ,

The stirring , breathing passion - flow erets cling

It is too fair a night to swoon away, And lie unconscious till the lark ’ s aloft !

From out my little bed I step herewith

And leave its gleaming w hiteness in the shades I will go forth and w alk with shining feet U nder the moon , and hear the nightingales .

ti rroo ti rroo 0 Jug , jug , , sweet , my heart

But listen , listen to the voice of love , Singing in dreams from out the gloom of leaves The red rose is awake and listening too

O lady rose , 0 sister , fragrant , sweet ,

Thou dost not know what now I tell thee , true ,

That yesterday he likened me to thee ,

And praised my damask cheek and called me fair .

ti rroo ti rroo ! c Jug , jug , , he alled me fair , ’ That ne er was fair unto myself before ;

So I am safely housed within a heart ,

0 rose , as that dewdrop is housed in thine

Now I have banished sleep , and come alive

To whisper thee my news in this still hour .

Thou and the moon , no other hath my tale

And mind thou dost not tell it to the sun ,

r r n O any p ying creature wi ging by .

My secret I will keep another day

Then all the world can wonder at my joy . 1 02 R E - S I ISH LOV O NG S .

Comi ng I

G E R E E KE O G NOBL PLUN TT.

E E H R , where a sea of iris sweeps ,

In tremulous circles swelling ,

o — as i Rippled w ith j y, from ts deeps

A fount of light were welling ,

’ ow s n N from thy home i the setting u ,

w Clothed in his glow , s eet rover ,

’ ’ V Come ere the day s glad ision s gone , And bless thy faithful lover

The changeless calm ascetic heights

Are crowned with tender haloes , The bold rocks burn with amber lights

Above the lapping shallows . The olive takes a happier hue

’ Under the pine - shield s cover

And c loud - boats moored in waveless blue Are waiting with thy lover

Ah , what avail if the purple hill

The faun or nymph are haunting , That great souls tread the wild Shore still If you should yet be wanting

The Graces dwelling in flower and tre e

’ For Love s eyes to discover ,

Full of their smiling mystery ,

Are waiting with thy lover .

1 0 - S 4 IRISH L O VE O N G S .

T0 an I sle i n the

E . W. B. Y ATS

HY S one , shy one ,

Shy one of m y heart ,

fire li h t She moves in the g ,

Pensively apart .

She carries in the dishes And lays them in a row To an isle in the water

“l ith her I w ould go .

She carries in the candles , And lights the curtained room Shy in the doorway

And shy in the gloom ;

And sh y as a rabbit ,

Helpful and shy . To an isle in the water

With her would I fly . - 1 0 : I RISH LO V E S O N G S .

u O tside .

F RANCES WYNN E.

SHINING pathway of light slopes down from the

- half closed door , Through the darkness on either hand it glimmers

golden and wide ,

A fair bridge Spanning the night , and the dread desola ’ tion o er ,

Stretching to me , where I stand forgotten , forlorn ,

outside .

If I dared to turn my feet away from the chill and the

gloom , If I followed yon radiant track with eager and noise

less tread ,

i n Should I find her , my only sweet , some fragrant , fire

lit room ,

Her soft dress shadowy black , and the glow on her bent bright head ?

sh e Perhaps , if I only dared , would not bid me begone ;

Perhaps she would smile as of yore , and b e kind and forget to chide ;

Perhaps if she knew how I cared ; I will go : I will seek her anon ; ! Alas they have shut the door and I am alone outside .

A: E 1 06 O E - S O G I RISH L V N S .

L t l a r C ss i t e M y a idy .

H F RANCIS A . FA Y .

’ M ’ OH , tis little ary Cassidy s the cause of all my misery , And the raison that I am not now the boy I used

to be ;

h h ate s O , she the beauties all that we read about in

history ,

And sure half the count ry - side is as hot for her as

me .

Travel Ireland up and down , hill , village , vale and town

’ F ai l i n Don n for airer than the C , you re looking in vain ’ M Oh , I d rather live in poverty with little ary Cassidy

Than emperor , without her , be of Germany or Spain .

’ ’ Twas at the dance at Darm od y s that first I caught a

sight of her ,

D r oz h n ean Don n And heard her sing the g , till tears

came in my eyes , And ever since that blessed hour I ’m dreaming day

and night of her ;

d ivil t The a wink of sleep at all I get from bed o rise .

1 08 R O E - S O G I ISH L V N S .

e Wood - P z eon Th g .

K R E ATHA IN TYNAN .

H E - flake s w T skies they were leaden , the snow ere falling ;

No blackbird or linnet was courting or calling ;

’ But the wood - dove s sweet moaning was heard in the

distance ,

And her song all of love came in dulcet persistence .

Oh , what though the nests were all flooded with water , And the cold eggs would give them no sweet son or

daughter , She was dreamy with pleasure for her true Love b e

side her , And her day was as gold as though young leaves did hide her !

0 - of- Love, sang the wood dove , the sweet bird Summer ,

It were death , it were madness , were my Love a roamer ;

But Love true and faithful , what power has cold weather

To still our wild songs , Love , since we are together ? R O E - S 1 0 I ISH L V O N G S . 9

L Then I said to my true ove , true love is enough , Love ,

And how wise is the wood - dove who learns that lore

’ o ff L ! , ove

’ Tis our charm for the Winter , and when the winds cry ,

Love,

And when , in the grave , on your heart I shall lie , Love .

- - AI r ish L ove Song .

KATHA RIN E TYNAN .

OU G od - W LD I were that tender apple blossom , F loating and falling from the twisted bough ,

To lie and faint within your silken bosom , As that does now !

O r would I were a little burnished apple

For you to pluck me , gliding by so cold ,

’ While sun and shade your robe of law n will dapple ,

’ Your hair s spun gold .

od Yea , would to G I were among the roses That lean to kiss you as you float between ! While on the lowest branch a bud uncloses

To touch you , Q ueen ! E - S G I 1 0 I RISH LO V O N S .

Nay, since you will not love , would I were growing

A happy daisy in the garden - path

That so your silver foot might press me going , Even unto death !

A n E r r an d .

E R JAN BA LOW .

I S LEPT and where her lonely flo w er - knots gleam M y dear lost Love I saw anear my side , Yet knew our fate ; since in my dreamiest dream How should I once forget that Norah died ?

But by a blossomed briar methought sh e stood

’ Whereon the rose s dawn was fair to see ;

“ ” “ sh e And Bend the spray , said , and this small b ud

It lifts so high above us , pluck for me .

This is the flower I ever loved of yore ,

This little rose , that where its petals part

I s all a- flush within as if it bore

’ A rosier rose s shadow at its heart .

“ Then , O my love , I said , needs must there be In thy dread world unwist of mortal eyes

Full many a wondrous bloom , and worthier thee Than aught that drinks the light of these dim skies !

- I I 2 IRISH LOVE SO NG S .

’ w A strange wind rattled the w indow pane , and do n the

lane a dog howled on ,

I called his name and the candle flame burnt dim , pressed

a hand the door - latch upon .

Deel ish De e lish my woe forever that I could not sever

coward flesh from fear .

I called his name and the pale Ghost came ; but I was f a raid to meet my dear .

0 mother , mother , in tears I checked the sad hours past

’ ’ of the year that s o er , Till by God ’ s grace I might see his face and hear the sound of his voice once more

s The chair I e t from the cold and wet , he took when he came from unknown skies

O f the land of the dead , on my bent brown head I felt the reproach of his saddened eyes

’ I closed my lids on my heart s desire , crouched by the

fire , my voice was dumb .

- At my clean swept hearth he had no mirth , and at my

table he broke no crumb .

Deelish Deelish my woe forever that I Could not sever

coward flesh from fear .

His chair put aside when the young cock cried , and . I

w as afraid to meet my dear . I n ex to u th r s d A o .

B 1 ALLING HAM , WILLIAM . Born at allyshannon , 8 24

A th en a'u m H u s ld died 1 889 . After contributing to , o eh o

r s Wo d , and other periodicals , he published his first “ ” 1 0. volume , Poems , in 85 This was followed by M several other volumes , and after his death essrs . Reeves and Turner published his work in six volumes . Was for

’ Fr as r a i n e some years editor of e s M g az , through which ran his long narrative poem Laurence Bloomfield in

l . H e 1 8 M Ire and married , in 50, iss Helen Patterson ,

- the well known artist . 8 BANIM , J OHN . Born in Kilkenny , April 3 , 1 79

1 1 2 . died , August , 84 With his brother Michael , he wrote

“ ’ H ar and published Tales of the O a Family , which rank only lower than Carleton ’ s as delineations of Irish life and character . He wrote but a few poems, of which “ “ the best is Soggarth Aroon . His drama , Damon

1 1 3 I 1 4 I NDEx TO AU TH ORS .

L 1 822 and Pythias , was played in ondon in , with

Kemble and Mac ready as the principal actors .

W Of . R E . BA LO , JAN Daughter the Rev James Barlow , a Fellow of Trinity College , Dublin . Has published anonymously in magazines for some years dramatic

c w c c c poems in the Irish diale t , hi h ex ited mu h admira tion and Spe c ulation as to the authorship . These have recently appeared with other poems in a volume c alled

“ ” - L U Bog aud Studies (Fisher nwin , London), and have been rec eived with the applause of the literary

a n otab l e journals . The book is accession to Irish poetical literature .

S E H 1 1 2 B RENAN , J O P . Born in Cork , November 7, 8 8

M a 2 1 8 . died in Ne w Orleans , y 7, 57 Was a participator ’ 8 in the National movement of 4 , and imprisoned in

Kilmainham . After his release went to New York ,

w here he obtained employment as a journalist . After his

1 1 marriage in 85 , he joined the staff of the New Orleans

D el ta . He never published a volume , but the few poems

c of his that are ac essible are of great beauty .

E RE H OS E H . 1 CALLANAN , J MIA J P Born at Cork , 795

1 82 . E i died at Lisbon , 9 ducated for the pr esthood at M aynooth , but because of delicate health gave up his

E 1 820 design . ntered Trinity College , Dublin , in , but

remained only a few months . Was tutor under Dr .

c B l oc Maginn , and , through him , be ame a writer for h

d I n 1 2 L w oo . 8 9 went as tutor to a family in isbon , but

died soon after going there . “ S EY OH EEG ( L EO CA , J N K AN The son of a

M 1 8 6 1 8 . peasant . Born at ullingar , 4 ; died , 70 Was

imprisoned as a Fenian , and died , it is said , from the

A 1 I 6 IN DE! To U THORS .

E RED ER E . 1 6 . G RAV S , ALF P C VAL Born in Dublin , 84

Son of the Bishop of Limerick . Has published two volumes of Irish poems .

ER D. L 1 80 G RIFFIN , G AL Born in imerick , 3 ; died in

1 . Cork , 84 0 Wrote dramas and novels , the best known “ ofthe latter being The Collegians . Became a Christian

Brother two years before his death , and died in the Order .

Y DE O G S . re n ch ark H , D U LA Son of the Rector of F p , co . Roscommon . A Doctor of Laws of Trinity College , u Dublin , and the most accomplished of yo ng Irish scholars .

E D . I RWIN , THOMAS CAULFI L Born at Warrenpoint ,

1 8 2 1 8 2 . co . Down , 3 ; died in Dublin , 9 Contributed to

’ ’ t n Tb e D u bl i n r l 7718 N a i o in its palmy days , to U m ve sz y

‘

Al a az zn e . g , and other periodicals Published several volumes of poems and stories in verse .

Y E O ERT WY ER. . L JO C , R B D Born in co imerick ,

8 . 1 83 0 died Dublin , 1 8 3 In 1 866 emigrated to Boston , where he practic ed his profession of medical man . Was ” author , besides his early volumes of Ballads , of Deirdre i ” and Bl an d , two fine and picturesque poems on old

Celtic stories .

M E RE E E M ANG AN , JA S CLA NC . steemed the first of

1 0 . Irish poets . Born , 8 3 ; died , 1 84 9 His life is one long record of the struggle Ofgenius with misery and ill - health — a m . gloo y and terrible story Haverty , of New York , published a large but incomplete volume of h is poems some years ago .

’ ’ M E E H O S R . O n e 8 CG , T MA D A CY of the 4 poets .

1 82 . Born , 5 , in Carlingford , co Louth ; murdered in

Montreal , 1 868 . 1 1 INDE! To AU TH ORS . 7

M D O . ULHOLLAN , R SA . Born in Belfast A brilliant novelist ; her contributions to poetry are too few . Her prose style is delicate and exquisite . She married , in

1 8 1 Mr. . . G . 9 , J T ilbert , the historian and antiquary

E E RG E . 1 OG L , RIGHT H ON . G O Born , 739 ; died ,

1 8 14 . Represented Dublin City in 1 799 , and voted against the Union .

’ E 1 1 O L ARY , ELL EN . Born in Tipperary , 83 ; died in

’ O L ear . Cork , 1 889 . Sister of the Fenian leader , John y A small volume of her simple and beautiful poems has been published since her death .

’ 1 88 1 . O SHAU G HN ESSY , A RTHU R. Born , 1 84 6 ; died , ” “ E Published M usic and Moonlight , An pic of Women , “ and Lays of France .

ETR E E G E. 1 8 1 866 . P I , G OR Born in Dublin , 7 9 ; died ,

Artist and antiquary .

E R E . PLUNKETT , G O G E NOBL Born in Dublin . Has

E b r n i a published one small volume of poems . dited Hi e , and is now a barrister of Dublin .

E E E G EN . R YNOLDS , G O RG N U T A favourite song f writer o the end of the last century .

E E . D b i SIG RSON , G O RG E A medical doctor in u l n , an d

Fellow and Professor ofthe Royal University . Translated a volume of Irish poems and has written some admirable original pieces .

I G ERS N S O , D ORA . The young daughter of the above named .

D E . TO HUNT R, JOHN Was formerly a physician in

Dublin , but is now resident in London . Has published several volumes ofpoemsand plays after the Greek manner .

S EDW RD . 1 80 1 8 0 WAL H, A Born in 5 died in 5 . 1 DE! T U R I 8 IN o A T H O S .

L . ived in poor circumstances . A poet ofundoubted genius

ER S 1 . WALL , JOHN F RANCI . Born , 809

E . w WYNN , FRANC ES A young riter of delightful

1 poems . Her first little volume , published in 890, won for her instant recognition .

E TS T ER. 1 6 Y A , WILLIAM BU L Born , 8 5 . The most notable of young Irish poets Has published one volume ,

“ Of . The Wanderings Oisin A second , The Countess

Kathleen , and other Legends , has just been published .

Thi s book i s DU E on th e l a st d at e st amp ed b e Nw l 5 193 7

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131-202 6 195 8

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