Irish Poetry

 From

 The Opening Rosebud

 A collection of Original Poems by William Ledger 1808-1857

Published in Limerick 1836

 

The Violet and Tulip

See the humble violet peeping

From beneath its robe of green;

Moist with dew - like hermit weeping

At this iron age of sin.

 

Yet, tho' modest, safely dwelling

It can brave the storm's rude blast,

While this tulip proudly swelling

Bends not - stoops not - breaks at last.

 

That within its leafy grotto

Sends enchanting odours thence;

This with splendour for its motto

Does not gratify the sense.

 

Thus he of unyielding spirit

Dazzles for a day, then dies,

While the lowly man of merit

Lives within his native skies.

 

* * *

 

Away, Away

O'er the fields with dew-drops bright

Soft the whispering breezes play,

Fragrant with the tears of night,

Maiden, come, away, away.

 

Now the lark is soaring high;

Songsters warble from the spray;

Love and Music fill the sky,

Maiden, come, away, away.

 

Sunbeams on the waters dance;

Wildflowers all their charms display;-

What are these without thy glance?

Maiden, come, away, away.

 

We will watch the seagull sail,

With its snowy plumage gay,

Pois'd upon the morning gale,

Maiden, come, away, away.

 

We will climb the mountain's side

Where meand'ring streamlets stray,

Where the heath blooms in its pride,

Maiden, come, away, away.

 

Where the early roses 'bide,

Where their latest leaves decay,

Wake the woodland echoes wide,

Maiden, come, away, away.

 

Up the mountain - down the glen

Gladsome we will wend our way,

Who shall teach us sorrow then?

Maiden, come, away, away.

 

We will wander by the brook,

Each fond tale of love resay,

Sigh for sigh, and look for look,

Maiden, come, away, away.

 

By the charm from Love supplied

'Neath the moon's voluptuous ray!

By the link affection tied,

Maiden, come, away, away!

 

* * *