The Limerick Lasses

"Have you ere a new song,

My Limerick Poet,

To help us along

Wid this terrible boat

Away over to Tork?"

"Arrah, I understand;

For all of your work,

'Twill tighten you, boys,

To cargo that sand

To the overside strand,

Wid the current so strong,

Unless you've a song--

A song to lighten and brighten you, boys.

Be listenin' then,

My brave Kerry men,

And the new song,

And the true song

Of the Limerick Lasses 'tis I will begin."

O Limerick dear,

It's far and it's near

I've travelled the round of this circular sphere;

Still an' all to my mind,

No colleens you'll find

As lovely and modest, as merry and kind,

As our Limerick Lasses;

Our Limerick Lasses --

So lovely and modest, so merry and kind.

So row,

Strong and slow,

Chorusing after me as we go,--

Still in all to my mind

No colleens you'll find,

As lovely and modest, as merry and kind,

As our Limerick Lasses,

Our Limerick Lasses,

So lovely and modest, so merry and kind.

O your English colleen

Has the wonderful mien

Of a goddess in marble, all grand and serene;

And, though slow to unbend,

Win her once for your friend,

And -- no alter or falter -- she's yours to the end.

But O! row,

Strong and slow, etc.

Of the French demoiselle

Delighted I'll tell,

For her sparkle and grace suit us Irishmen well;

And, taken complete,

From her head to her feet,

She's the perfectest picture of polish you'll meet.

But O! row,

Strong and slow, etc.

O, Donna of Spain,

It's the darlingest pain

From your dark eyes I've suffered again and again,

When you'd gracefully glide,

Like a swan at my side,

Or sing till with rapture the woodbird replied.

But O! row,

Strong and slow, etc.

Now my Maryland girl,

With your sunshiny curl,

Your sweet spirit eyes, and complexion of pearl;

And the goodness and grace,

That illumine your face,

You're the purtiest approach to my Limerick Lass.

But O! row,

Strong and slow, etc.