Glen Collection of printed music > Printed text > Composite volume > Ballad poetry of Ireland

54 BALLAD POETRY
THE PEETTY GIEL OF LOCH DAN.
BY SAMUEL FERGUSON, M.R.I.A.
Author of " Hibemian Nights' Entertainments," &c.
The shades of eve had crossed the glen
That frowns o'er infant Avonmore,
When, nigh Loch Dan, two weary men,
We stopped before a cottage door.
•' God save all here," my comrade cries,
And rattles on the raised latch-pin ;
*' God save you kindly," quick replies
' A clear sweet voice, and asks us in.
We enter ; from the wheel she starts,
A rosy girl with soft black eyes ;
Her fluttering court'sy takes our hearts,
Her blushing grace and pleased surprise.
Poor Mary, she was quite alone.
For, all the way to Glenmalure,
Her mother had that morning gone
And left the house in charge with her.
But neither household cares, nor yet
The shame that startled virgins feel,
Could make the generous girl forget
Her wonted hospitable zeal.
She brought us in a beechen bowl.
Sweet milk that smacked of mountain thyme,
Oat cake, and such a yellow roll
Of butter — it gilds all my rhyme !