Fairest! put on a while <br />These pinions of light I bring thee, <br />And o'er thy own green isle <br />In fancy let me wing thee. <br />Never did Ariel's plume, <br />At golden sunset, hover <br />O'er scenes so full of bloom <br />As I shall waft thee over. <br /> <br />Fields, where the Spring delays <br />And fearlessly meets the ardour <br />Of the warm Summer's gaze, <br />With only her tears to guard her; <br />Rocks, through myrtle boughs <br />In grace majestic frowning, <br />Like some bold warrior's brows <br />That Love hath just been crowning. <br /> <br />Islets, so freshly fair, <br />That never hath bird come nigh them, <br />But, from his course through air, <br />He hath been won down by them; - <br />Types, sweet maid, of thee, <br />Whose look, whose blush inviting, <br />Never did Love yet see <br />From heaven, without alighting. <br /> <br />Lakes, where the pearl lies hid, <br />And caves, where the gem is sleeping, <br />Bright as the tears thy lid <br />Lets fall in lonely weepin. <br />Glens, where Ocean comes, <br />To 'scape the wild wind's rancour; <br />And harbours, worthiest homes <br />Where Freedom's fleet can anchor. <br /> <br />Then, if, while scenes so grand, <br />So beautiful, shine before thee, <br />Pride for thy own dear land <br />Should haply be stealing o'er thee, <br />Oh, let grief come first, <br />O'er pride itself victorious - <br />Thinking how man hath curst <br />What Heaven hath made so glorious.<br /><br />Thomas Moore<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/fairest-put-on-a-while-2/
