LINES
ON READING MOORE'S FAREWELL TO HIS HARP, IN THE SIXTH NUMBER OF
THE IRISH MELODIES.
I
Heed not the poet's parting words,
Nor think you hear his closing strain;
For love still lingers on the chords,
And wooes him to his lyre again.
II
His hand its office may refuse,
But genius cannot slumber long;
And soon again shall Erin's muse
Give life and strength to Erin's song.
III
Again his music shall bestow
A charm to make our moments gay;
Again the lover's heart shall glow,
While beauty's lip repeats the lay.
IV
Yes, often shall his voice receive
The patriot's praise, the fair one's smile;
And Albion's sons again shall give
The tribute of a sister isle.
V
Then do not hear him with regret,
Or at his farewell notes repine;
Our favourite bard shall charm us yet
With many a gay and sportive line.
VI
When lovers breathe a last adieu
To maids who treat them with disdain;
A glance their passion can renew,
A smile can lure them back again.
VII
Thus though the bard may now rebel,
Though now his hand the lyre may spurn;
The echoes of his own farewell
Shall tempt the rover to return.