Ye mountains and glens of Old Ireland, <br />I've returned home to ye again; <br />During my absence from ye <br />My heart always felt great pain. <br /> <br />Oh, how I long'd to see you dear Nora, <br />And the old folks at home; <br />And the beautiful Lakes o' Killarney, <br />Where we oft together did roam. <br /> <br />Ye beautiful Lakes of Killarney, <br />Ye are welcome to me again; <br />I will now reform my character, <br />And from all bad company refrain. <br /> <br />Oh, how I have long'd to see my old father <br />And my mother dearer than all; <br />And my favourite dog Charlie <br />That wont to come at my call. <br /> <br />Ye green hills and lakes of Old Ireland, <br />Ye are dearer than life unto me; <br />Many sleepless nights I have had <br />Since my banishment from thee. <br /> <br />But to-night I will see the old folks <br />And my dear Nora too ... <br />And she and I will get married, <br />And I'm sure we will never rue. <br /> <br />And we may have plenty of children, <br />And for them I will work like a man. <br />And I hope Nora and I will live happy, <br />And do the best we can. <br /> <br />For my own part, I will never grumble, <br />But try and be content ... <br />And walk in the paths of virtue, <br />And remember my banishment. <br /> <br />And at night at the fireside with Nora, <br />I will tell her of my limbs being bound, <br />And all my great hardships endured, <br />And how I was lash'd like a hound. <br /> <br />And when my story is ended, <br />Nora will sympathise with her tears, <br />Which will help to drown my sorrow, <br />And help me through coming years.<br /><br />William Topaz McGonagall<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-irish-convict-s-return/
