The Poems of J. J. Callanan A New Edition, with Biographical Introduction and Notes |
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LINES
WRITTEN TO A YOUNG LADY,
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 | The Poems of J. J. Callanan |  |
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LINES WRITTEN TO A YOUNG LADY,
Who, in the Author's presence, had taxed the Irish with Want of Gallantry, proving her position by the fact of their not serenading as the Italians, &c., do.
Yes, lady, 'tis true in our cold rugged isleLove seldom puts on him his warm sunny smile.
No youth from his boat or the orange-tree shade,
Sings at eve to his lady the sweet serenade.
Yet 'tis not that Erin has daughters less fair
Than Italy's maids with their dark-flowing hair;
And 'tis not the souls of her sons are less brave
Than the gay gondoliers' on Neapoli's wave.
Saw you not when his country her banner displayed,
And 'mid victory's glad shout on high flashed her blade,
How that lover so true with his sprightly guitar
Grew pale at the first blast of liberty's war?
Saw you not how, when prostrate yon eagle was hurled,
Whose proud flight of conquest would compass the world,
Our Erin reared o'er it her green flag on high,
And the shouts of her victor sons pealed in the sky?
Thus though scorned and rejected, long, long may they prove
The strongest in fight and the fondest in love!
| The Poems of J. J. Callanan | |