AN GAODHAL.
425
ERIN'S SONG.
Translation.
Ah! days have lengthed unto years,
And years to ages hoary,
Since first my face was kissed by tears,
And shadowed was my glory;
But yet, throughout that fearful time,
When every ill assailed me,
There lived within my heart sublime
A "hope" that never failed me.
Though sore oppressed by demons vile,
To grim despair nigh driven;
Though darkness reigned supreme the while,
And no light beamed from heaven,
The hope that lived within my breast,
And was my sole defender —
That in the future I'd be blest
With more than former splendor!
Though crushed beneath a load of woe,
I've always stood defiant,
Erect, before the haughty foe,
And not a base suppliant;
Aye, boldly I have claimed my right,
In battle-field and senate,
And though defeated in the fight,
I'll die — or yet l'll win it !
I feel it in my very soul !
'Tis whispered all around me !
That soon again I'll reach the goal
Where the first despot found me !
That soon again I'll don the wreath
Which freedom erst entwined me,
And on earth or hell beneath,
No power again can bind me !
BEAUTIFUL ISLE OF THE SEA.
Beautiful Isle of the sea !
Smile on the brow of the waters,
Dear are your mem'ries to me,
Sweet as the songs of thy daughters.
Over your mountains and vales,
Down by each murmuring river,
Cheered by the flower-loving gales,
