The Beloved Gaelic

Never was heard a strain so soft —
A speech so noble — so flood-like oft,
Yet bright and sweet as a cooing rill,
Never weak, but all beauteous still.

Never sang Homer, old and grand,
Nor brilliant Ovid, gay and bland,
In language more liquid — a cascade that ne'er
Meets earth, a music that's floating in air!

Than melodious tones of golden chords,
Than ethereal voices of tuneful birds,
Its flowing sounds more joy impart,
And its noble song o'ercomes the heart!