56
ERIN.
But he smiles and sings on, for the sound so slender
Has reached the deep note he knows;
And the heart-poem stirred by the word so tender
Out from the well-spring flows.
And he says in his song: "O dhar dheelish! the tearful!
She's ready to laugh when she cries!"
And they sob when they hear: "Sure she's sad when she's cheerful;
And she smiles with the tears in her eyes!"
And he asks them: What need of new poets to praise her?
Her harpers still sing in the past;
And her first sweet old melodies comfort and raise her
To joys never reached by her last.
What need of new hero, with Brian? or preacher.
With Patrick? or soldier, with Conn?
With her dark Ollamh Fohla, what need of a teacher,
Sage, ruler, and builder in one?
