II.
THE SONG OF INISFAIL.
I.
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.
"Oh, where's the Isle we've seen in dreams,
Our [destined home] or grave?"—
Thus sung they, as by the morning's beams
They swept the Atlantic wave.
II.
And lo, where afar o'er ocean shines
A sparkle of radiant green,
As though in that deep lay [em'rald] mines,
Whose light through the wave was seen.
"'Tis Inisfail—'tis Inisfail!"
Rings o'er the echoing sea,
While, bending to Heav'n, the warriors hail
That home of the brave and free.
III.
Then turn'd 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.
Nor frown was seen through sky or sea,
Nor tear on leaf or sod,
When first on their Isle of Destiny
Our great forefathers trod.
Thomas Moore.