Corpus of Electronic Texts Edition

Roisin Dubh (Author: James Clarence Mangan)

p.85

1. Since last night's star, afar, afar,
   Heaven saw my speed;
   I seemed to fly o'er mountains high
   On magic steed.
   I dashed though Erne! The world may learn
   The cause from love:
   For light or sun shone on me none,
   But Roisin Dubh!
2. O Roisin mine, droop not, nor pine;
   Look not so dull!
   The Pope from Rome shall send thee home
   A pardon full;

   ---

   p.86

   The priests are near; O do not fear!
   From heaven above
   They come to thee, they come to free
   My Roisin Dubh!
3. Thee have I loved, for thee have roved
   O'er land and sea;
   My heart was sore, and ever more
   It beat for thee;
   I could not weep, I could not sleep,
   I could not move!
   For night or day, I dreamed alway
   Of Roisin Dubh!
4. Thro' Munster land, by shore and strand,
   Far could I roam,
   If I might get my loved one yet,
   And bring her home.
   O sweetest flower, that blooms in bower,
   Or dell or grove!
   Thou lovest me, and I love thee,
   My Roisin Dubh!
5. The sea shall burn, the skies shall mourn,
   The skies rain blood,
   The world shall rise in dread surprise
   And warful mood,
   And hill and lake in Eirè shake,
   And hawk turn dove,
   Ere you shall pine, ere you decline,
   My Roisin Dubh!