The dawn of day

I gaze upon yon mountains that mingle with the sky,

And if my wishes were but wings beyond them I would fly;

For far beyond the mountains that look so distant here,

To fight his country's battles last May-day went my dear.

Ah! well do I remember with bitter sighs the day;

Why Owen didst thou leave me, at home why did I stay!

I count the passing moments the weary live-long day,

For every day's a week long since Owen went away.

Ah! cruel was my father, who did my flight restrain,

And I was cruel-hearted that did at home remain:

With thee, my love, contented, I'd journey far away;

Why Owen didst thou leave me, at home why did I stay!

And oft in waking visions I see some danger near,

To fright my troubled fancy, that hovers round my dear!

O! may it please kind heaven to shield my love from harm;

To clasp him to my bosom would ev'ry care disarm:

But, ah! I fear it's distant far that happy, happy, day;

Why Owen didst thou leave me, at home why did I stay!