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

By 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.

“Lady! dost thou not fear to stray,

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?”

“Sir Knight! I feel not the least alarm,

No son of Erin will offer me harm;

For though they love woman and golden store,

Sir Knight! they love honor and virtue more!”

On she went, and her maiden smile

In safety lighted her round the green isle;

And blest forever is she who relied

Upon Erin’s honor and Erin’s pride!