A bolt that overhung our dome Suspended till my curse was given, Soon as it passed these lips of foam, Pealed in the blood-red heaven. Dire was the look that o’er their backs The angry parting brothers threw: But now, behold! like cataracts, Come down the hills in view O’Connor’s plumèd partisans, Thrice ten Kilnagorvian clans Were marching to their doom: A sudden storm their plumage tossed, A flash of lightning o’er them crossed, And all again was gloom! XVI. “Stranger! I fled the home of grief, At Connocht Moran’s tomb to fall; I found the helmet of my chief, His bow still hanging on our wall, And took it down, and vowed to rove This desert place a huntress bold; Nor would I change my buried love For any heart of living mould. No! for I am a hero’s child; I’ll hunt my quarry in the wild; And still my home this mansion make, Of all unheeded and unheeding, And cherish, for my warrior’s sake— ‘The flower of love lies bleeding.’” [51] The ancient name of Ireland. [52] The plural of kern—an Irish foot soldier. [53] A rude hut, or cabin. [54] Yellow, dyed from saffron, was the favourite colour of the ancient Irish. [55] A drink made of the juice of mulberry mixed with honey. [56] See Notes. [57] Eath O’Connor defeated the English. [58] See Notes. [59] Fires lighted in honour of the sun on the hill tops by the Irish.—See Notes. [60] The Irish harp.—See Notes. [61] Fortification—See Notes. [62] The Irish wail for the dead. [63] See Notes. [64] An important battle was fought here, August 10, 1315, which decided the subjection of Ireland.—See Notes. THEODRIC; A DOMESTIC TALE. THEODRIC; A DOMESTIC TALE. ’Twas sunset, and the “Ranz des Vaches” was sung, And lights were o’er the Helvetian mountains flung, That gave the glacier tops their richest glow,[65] And tinged the lakes like molten gold below. Warmth flushed the wonted regions of the storm, Where, Phœnix-like, you saw the eagle’s form, That high in Heaven’s vermilion wheeled and soared. Woods nearer frowned, and cataracts dashed and roared, From heights browsed by the bounding bouquetin;[65] Herds tinkling roamed the long-drawn vales between, And hamlets glittered white, and gardens flourished green. ’Twas transport to inhale the bright sweet air! The mountain-bee was revelling in its glare, And roving with his minstrelsy across The scented wild weeds, and enamelled moss.[65] Earth’s features so harmoniously were linked, She seemed one great glad form, with life instinct, That felt Heaven’s ardent breath, and smiled below Its flush of love, with consentaneous glow.