The Daughter of the Rock

As on Killarney's bosom blue

We lay with lifted oars,

He challenged with his clarion true

The silent shores.

And straight from off her mountain throne

The Daughter of the Rock

Took up that challenge, tone by tone,

With airy mock.

And twice and thrice from hill to hill

She tossed it o'er the heather,

Then drew the notes with one wild thrill

Together.

Like pearls of silver dew

From a fragrant purple flower,

Echo's secret heart into

They shower.

We floated on and ever on

With many a warbled tune,

Until above the water wan

Awoke the moon.

Then with a sudden strange surprise

A clearer challenge came

From out his eager lips, and eyes

Of ardent flame.

Like Echo answering his horn,

At first I mocking met him;

Till lest e'en counterfeited scorn

Should fret him.

From all my heart strings caught

Faint as Echo's closing stress,

Stole the answer that he sighing sought,

Love's low yes.