Farewell to Eire

There is an isle in the western sea —
O there the kindly hearts are bred !
O there is Love with Virtue wed,
And Beauty dwells with constancy !
What home has earth elsewhere for me ?
Eire, what isle is like to thee ?

I've been where Mammon's throne was set,
And seen his lieges gasp for gold,
For veriest phantoms bought and sold,
Their whole dark lives that idol's debt ;
And then, ye Gaedhil, I've joyed to know
Ye were not blind with such a woe.

In a strange land too long I dwelt,
Nor knew one thrill of cordial joy,
Unmingled with a dull alloy —
Nor one warm glow of life e'er felt,
Save when I've gladly met once more
With wanderers from the Irish shore.

There are the havens of the heart :
There is the true o'erflowing wealth
Of tender natures — souls of health.
With blessings on thee, I depart,
Land of my latest, earliest love,
Once more from all that's dear to rove.