Ballads of Irish chivalry

My name is Donal Dhu—an Outlaw bold and true,
I ranged the country thro', from Saxon bondage free,
Till I loved a maiden fair, with her glossy curling hair,
But she sunk me in despair—she's a dear maid to me!

II

My sires were princes grand within old Ireland's land:
With many a knightly band they held their castles free,
Till the Saxon with them strove—an outlaw now I rove,
Lamenting my false love—she's a dear maid to me!

III

Her brow like wintry snows, her cheeks were like the rose
That nigh Blackwater blows when summer decks the tree;
Her dark eyes glittered bright, full, full of love's delight,—
They haunt me day and night—she's a dear maid to me!

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IV

With gems of costly sheen I decked my mountain queen,
And glorious was her mien of beauty fresh and free;
Her step was like the fawn on Araglin's wild lawn,
Her smile was like the dawn—she's a dear maid to me!

V

Margaret Kelly was her name, and burning was the flame
That o'er our bosoms came when we first loved trustingly,
But her love grew false and cold, and her outlaw's life she sold
For the Saxon's worthless gold—she's a dear maid to me!

VI

Oh! woeful was the hour that revenge o'er me had power
To slay my beauteous flower, when I knew her perfidy—
I drew my skian unblest, and with rage and grief possest,
I plunged it in her breast—she's a dear maid to me!

VII

And now I've 'scaped the chain, and now I'm free again,
On many a battle plain I will let the Saxons see
What their traitor wiles shall prove, tho' an outlaw still I rove,
Lamenting my false love—she's a dear maid to me

University of Virginia Library

DONAL O'KEEFFE'S LAMENT.

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