School: Kilmore (roll number 13010)

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1. O'Ruairc's Request (continued)

   

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   (IV)

   Oh! you would bring me to your Queen low at her feet to kneel,

   brave mercy from her stony heart and urge some mean appeal!

   I answer, No! my knees will bend and prayers of mine arise

   To but one Queen, the Queen of Heaven, high throned above the Skies!

   And now you ask my dying wish? My last and sole request

   Is that the scaffold built for me be fronted to the West.

   Of my dear country far away, one glimpse I cannot see

   Wherever, and however high, you raise my gallows tree.

   Yet would I wish my last fond look should seek that distant shore,

   So, turn my face to Ireland, Sirs, of you I ask no more.

   
   Philomena O'Kelly, Shena, Drumkeerin

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. genre
      1. poetry
         1. folk poetry (~9,504)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Philomena O' Kelly

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Sheena, Co. Leitrim