Oh the Shamrock

 Through Erin's Isle 
To sport awhile 
As Love and Valour wander'd, 
With Wit, the sprite, 
Whose quiver bright 
A thousand arrows squander'd; 
Where'er they pass, 
A triple grass
Shoots up, with dew-drops streaming, 
As softly green 
As emeralds seen 
Through purest crystal gleaming. 
Oh the Shamrock, the green, immortal Shamrock! 
Chosen leaf 
Of Bard and Chief, 
Old Erin's native Shamrock! 

Says Valour, "See, 
They spring for me, 
Those leafy gems of morning!" -- 
Says Love, "No, no, 
For me they grow, 
My fragrant path adorning." 
But Wit perceives 
The triple leaves, 
And cries, "Oh! do not sever 
A type that blends 
Three godlike friends, 
Love, Valour, Wit, for ever!" 
Oh, the Shamrock, the green, immortal Shamrock! 
Chosen leaf, etc. 

So firmly fond 
May last the bond 
They wove that morn together, 
And ne'er may fall 
One drop of gall 
On Wit's celestial feather. 
May Love, as twine 
His flowers divine, 
Of thorny falsehood weed 'em: 
May Valour ne'er 
His standard rear 
Against the cause of Freedom! 
Oh the Shamrock, the green, immortal Shamrock! 
Chosen leaf, etc.

Form: Lyric Comments

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace