The Lullaby

Hush, baby mine, and weep no more ;
Each gem thy regal fathers wore,
When Erinn, Emerald Isle, was free,
Thy poet-sire bequeaths to thee !

Hush, baby dear, and weep no more !
Hush, baby mine, my treasured store ;
My heart-wrung sigh, my grief, my groan,
Thy tearful eye, thy hunger's moan !

The steed of golden housings rare,
Bestowed by glorious Falvey Fair,
The chief who at the Boyne did shroud,
In bloody wave, the sea-kings proud !
Hush, baby dear.

Brian's golden-hilted sword of light,
That flashed despair on foeman's flight ;
And Murcha's fierce, far-shooting bow,
That at Clontarf laid heroes low !
Hush, baby dear.

The courier hound that tidings bore
From Cashel to Bunratty's shore ;
An eagle fierce, a bird of song,
And Skellig's hawk, the fierce and strong.
Hush, baby dear.

Fingal's swift sword of death and fear,
And Diarmid's host-compelling spear ;
The helm that guarded Oscar's head,
When fierce MacTreon beneath him bled.
Hush, baby dear.

Son of old chiefs ! to thee is due
The gift Aoife gave her champions true,
That sealed for aye Ferdia's doom,
And gave young Conlaoch to the tomb.
Hush, baby dear.

Nor shall it be ungiven, unsung,
The mantle dark of Dulaing young,
That viewless left the chief who laid
Whole hosts beneath his battle-blade !
Hush, baby dear.

Another boon shall grace thy hand,
MacDuivne's life-protecting brand,
Great Aongus' gift, when Fenian foe
Pursued his path with shaft and bow !
Hush, baby dear.

And dainty and rich beoir I'll bring,
And raiment meet for chief and king ;
But gift and song shall yield to joy —
Thy mother comes to greet her boy !

Hush, baby dear, and weep no more ;
Hush, baby mine, my treasured store ;
My heart-wrung sigh, my grief, my groan,
Thy tearful eye, thy hunger's moan !