THE DEER-STONE
A LEGEND OF GLENDALOUGH
It was the bride of Colman Dhu
In Glendalough sat down,
She hushed the babe upon her breast
Beside the lake so brown.
The mountains steep about her rose
All glad in green and gold.
The heart of all the waters deep
Again their glory hold.
Now had the bride of Colman Dhu
Looked long towards the west,
She there had seen the glowing sun
Slip slow towards his rest
But had she looked towards the east,
A maid there was to see.
Who bore two daggers in her eyes—
Black hate and jealousy.
She did not look towards the east,
Nor looked she to the south,
But closed her two white lids in sleep,
A smile on her red mouth.
Oh, had she seen the evil maid
Who death so stealthy bore,
She had not closed her lashes long
She now would raise no more.
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