The poems of John G. C. Brainard :: :: University of Virginia Library

The poems of John G. C. Brainard

A new and authentic collection, with an original memoir of his life

Brainard, John G. C. (1796-1828)

Collapse All | Expand All expand section

Young he left thee, poor he left thee,
Sad he left thee, Emerald Isle—
When oppression's could bereft thee
Of thy last and saddest smile.

Here he came, but Ireland ever
Warmed his heart and filled his thought—
Wandering son of Erin never
Sought his hearth and found it not.

Fast by Liffey's lovely borders,
Broad of wave and darkly deep,
Fast by Leixlip's leaping waters,
Parents, friends, and kindred sleep.

Here he dwelt, and all around him
Blest his warm and honest heart—
Here he died as first we found him,
Free from guile and void of art.

195

Touched but now with death's cold finger,
Here he walks with us no more—
But if spirits ever linger,
His will haunt the Liffey shore,

Attempted for the music of Rosseau's “Dream.”