"I do not know of anything under the sky
That is friendly or favourable to the Gael,
But only the sea that our need brings us to,
Or the wind that blows to the harbour
The ship that is bearing us away from Ireland;
And there is reason that these are reconciled with us,
For we increase the sea with our tears,
And the wandering wind with our sighs."
Lady Gregory.
[THE DOWNFALL OF THE GAEL]
By O'Gnive, bard of Shane O'Neill, circa 1560.
The Sons of the Gael
Are in exile and mourning,
Worn, weary, and pale,
As spent pilgrims returning;