Song of Innisfail. Thomas Moore (1779-1852). Miscellaneous. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. 1876-79. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes. Ireland: Vol. V

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Ireland: Vol. V. 1876–79.

Miscellaneous

Song of Innisfail

Thomas Moore (1779–1852)


THEY came from a land beyond the sea,
And now o’er the western main
Set sail, in their good ships, gallantly,
From the sunny land of Spain.
“O, where ’s the Isle we ’ve seen in dreams,	5
Our destined home or grave?”
Thus sung they as, by the morning’s beams,
They swept the Atlantic wave.

And, lo, where afar o’er ocean shines
A sparkle of radiant green,	10
As though in that deep lay emerald mines,
Whose light through the wave was seen.
“’T is Innisfail,—’t is Innisfail!”
Rings o’er the echoing sea;
While, bending to heaven, the warriors hail	15
That home of the brave and free.

Then turned they unto the eastern wave,
Where now their Day-God’s eye
A look of such sunny omen gave
As lighted up sea and sky.	20
Nor frown was seen through sky or sea,
Nor tear o’er leaf or sod,
When first on their Isle of Destiny 1
Our great forefathers trod.

Note 1. The Island of Destiny, one of the ancient names of Ireland. [back]