We stood on high, and heard the north wind flee Through clouds storm-heavy fallen from ledge to ledge. Then sudden "Look!" edge we cried. The far black Of south horizon oped in sunbright glee, And a broad water shone, one moment free, Ere darkness veiled again the wavering sedge. Such is the Poet's inspiration, still Too evanescent! coming but to go: Such the great passion showing good in ill, Quick brightnesses, love-lights too soon burnt low; And such man's life, which flashes Heaven's will Between two glooms a transitory glow. SPRING-TIME HE winter fleeteth like a dream, The sea is lit with sunny gleam, But there's no spring in all the land Green are the copses on the hill; His name is like a memory But memories all are sad to me The yellow cowslips here and there There is a brooding melody In forest, hill, and bay, But in my soul no harmony When Eileen is away. The birds remember in their song The very wind, so full and free, Forgets not ocean's spray, And, Eileen, I forget not thee When thou art far away. GERALD GRIFFIN (1803-1840) EILEEN AROON1 HEN, like the early rose, WH Beauty in childhood blows, Eileen aroon ! When, like a diadem, Buds blush around the stem, Eileen aroon ! Is it the laughing eye? Eileen aroon! Is it the tender tone, Soft as the stringed heart's moan? Oh! it is Truth alone, Eileen aroon! When, like the rising day, Eileen aroon! Love sends his early ray, Eileen aroon ! 1 Eibhlín a rúin, Eileen, my treasure. What makes his dawning glow I know a valley fair, I knew a cottage there, Far in that valley's shade Who in the song so sweet? Eileen aroon ! Who in the dance so fleet? Eileen aroon ! Dear were her charms to me, Youth must with time decay, Eileen aroon ! Eileen aroon ! Castles are sacked in war, Chieftains are scattered far, Truth is a fixed star, Eileen aroon! |