University of Virginia Library


7

THE CELTIC MOVEMENT

SONNET

O conquered Ireland, conquered by the sword,
By force, by sullen strength, by soulless deeds,
Strange if at last thine own soul intercedes
Even for thy conquerors! Pure and sweet reward,
Divine great vengeance, if thine heart is poured
Forth in wild singing o'er thine hills and meads,
If England hearkens, then the whole world heeds!
The Celtic harp may thrill the Saxon horde.
O magic beauty in the old legend-land,
O charm residing in the mystic rose,
O power of passionate love that overflows,
O fairies white of soul and brow and hand,
Ye may reveal lost marvels, and the grand
Vast silent secret of the stars disclose.
 

“The Secret Rose,” by W. B. Yeats.