Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/796

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Amid the balmiest flowers that earth can give
Some bitter drops distil, and all that live
            A mingled portion share;
But, while he learns these truths which we lament,
Such fortitude as ours will sure be sent,
            Such solace to his care.



GERALD GRIFFIN

1803-1840


663. Eileen Aroon

When like the early rose,
              Eileen Aroon!
Beauty in childhood blows,
              Eileen Aroon!
When, like a diadem,
Buds blush around the stem,
Which is the fairest gem?—
              Eileen Aroon!

Is it the laughing eye,
              Eileen Aroon!
Is it the timid sigh,
              Eileen Aroon!
Is it the tender tone,
Soft as the string'd harp's moan?
O, it is truth alone,—
              Eileen Aroon!

When like the rising day,
              Eileen Aroon!
Love sends his early ray,
              Eileen Aroon!