Eleu Loro

 Where shall the lover rest 
Whom the fates sever 
From his true maiden’s breast 
Parted for ever? 
Where, through groves deep and high 
Sounds the far billow, 
Where early violets die 
Under the willow. 
Eleu loro 
Soft shall be his pillow. 

There through the summer day 
Cool streams are laving: 
There, while the tempests sway, 
Scarce are boughs waving; 
There thy rest shalt thou take,
Parted for ever, 
Never again to wake 
Never, O never! 
Eleu loro 
Never, O never! 

Where shall the traitor rest, 
He, the deceiver, 
Who could win maiden’s breast, 
Ruin, and leave her? 
In the lost battle, 
Borne down by the flying, 
Where mingles war’s rattle 
With groans of the dying; 
Eleu loro 
There shall he be lying. 

Her wing shall the eagle flap 
O’er the falsehearted; 
His warm blood the wolf shall lap 
Ere life be parted. 
Shame and dishonour sit 
By his grave ever; 
Blessing shall hallow it 
Never, O never! 
Eleu loro 
Never, O never!

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace