Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Ireland: Vol. V. 1876–79. | | | | Introductory | | Rich and Rare Were the Gems She Wore | | Thomas Moore (1779–1852) |
| | | RICH and rare were the gems she wore, | |
| And a bright gold ring on her wand she bore; | |
| But, O, her beauty was far beyond | |
| Her sparkling gems or snow-white wand. | |
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| “Lady! dost thou not fear to stray, | 5 |
| So lone and lovely, through this bleak way? | |
| Are Erin’s sons so good or so cold | |
| As not to be tempted by woman or gold?” | |
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| “Sir Knight! I feel not the least alarm, | |
| No son of Erin will offer me harm; | 10 |
| For though they love woman and golden store, | |
| Sir Knight! they love honor and virtue more!” | |
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| On she went, and her maiden smile | |
| In safety lighted her round the green isle; | |
| And blest forever is she who relied | 15 |
| Upon Erin’s honor and Erin’s pride! | | | | |
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