76. Killarney

IS there one desires to hear

If within the shores of Eire

Eyes may still behold the scene

Far from Fand’s enticements?

Let him seek the southern hills

And those lakes of loveliest water

Where the richest blooms of Spring

Burn to reddest Autumn:

And the clearest echo sings

Notes a goddess taught her.

Ah! ’t was very long ago,

And the words are now denied her:

But the purple hillsides know

Still the tones delightsome,

And their breasts, impassioned, glow

As were Fand beside them.

And though many an isle be fair,

Fairer still is Innisfallen,

Since the hour Cuchullain lay

In the bower enchanted.

See! the ash that waves to-day.

Fand its grandsire planted.

When from wave to mountain-top

All delight thy sense bewilders,

Thou shalt own the wonders wrought

Once by her skilled fingers,

Still, though many an age be gone,

Round Killarney lingers.