Robert Dwyer Joyce

Sweet Glengariff’s Water

WHERE wildfowl swim upon the lake
  At morning’s early shining,
I ’m sure, I ’m sure, my heart will break
  With sadness and repining.
As I went out one morning sweet,
  I met a farmer’s daughter,
With gown of blue, and milk-white feet,
  By sweet Glengariff’s water.

Her jet-black locks, with wavy shine,
  Fell sweetly on her shoulder,
And, ah! they make my heart repine
  Till I again behold her.
She smiled, and passed me strangely by,
  Though fondly I besought her,
And long I ’ll rue her laughing eye
  By sweet Glengariff’s water.

Where wildfowl swim upon the lake
  At morning’s early splendor,
Each day my lonely path I ’ll take,
  With thoughts full sad and tender;
I ’ll meet my love, and sure she ’ll stay
  To hear the tale I ’ve brought her,
To marry me this merry May
  By sweet Glengariff’s water.