ERIN.
57
What need of new lovers, with Deirdre and Imer?
"With wonders and visions and elves
Sure no need at all has romancer or rhymer,
When the fairies belong to ourselves.
What need of new tongues? O, the Gaelic is clearest,
Like Nature's own voice every word;
"Ahagur! Acushla! Savourneen!" the dearest
The ear of a girl ever heard.
They may talk of new causes! Dhar Dhia! our old one
Is fresher than ever to-day;
Like Erin's green sod that is steaming to God
The blood it has drunk in the fray.
They have scattered her seed, with her blood and hate in it.
And the harvest has come to her here;
Her crown still remains for the strong heart to win it,
And the hour of acceptance is near.
