Poem by Thomas Moore

From “Irish Melodies”. 115. Song of Innisfail

          THEY came from a land beyond the sea,
                And now o’er the western main
          Set sail, in their good ships, gallantly,
                From the sunny land of Spain.
          "Oh, where’s the isle we’ve seen in dreams,
                Our destined home or grave?"
          Thus sung they as, by the morning’s beams,
                They swept the Atlantic wave.

          And lo, where afar o’er ocean shines
                A sparkle of radiant green,
          As though in that deep lay emerald mines,
                Whose light through the wave was seen.
          "’Tis Innisfail — ’tis Innisfail!"
                Rings o’er the echoing sea;
          While, bending to heaven, the warriors hail
                That home of the brave and free.

          Then turn’d they unto the Eastern wave,
                Where now their Day-God’s eye
          A look of such sunny omen gave
                As lighted up sea and sky.
          Nor frown was seen through sky or sea,
                Nor tear o’er leaf or sod,
          When first on their Isle of Destiny
                Our great forefathers trod.

1. From “The Odes of Anacreon”. Ode 75
2. From “The Odes of Anacreon”. Ode 16
3. Bright Be Thy Dreams
4. From “Irish Melodies”. 123. From This Hour the Pledge Is Given
5. From “The Odes of Anacreon”. Ode 27

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