School: Kilkea, Mageney (roll number 9123)

On this page

1. The Wizard Earl - A Legend of Kilkea Castle (continued)

   

   Share Share Post

   (continued from previous page)

   At first the river Greese, that near
   Where Kilkea Castle stood
   Ran gently by, now quickly rose
   In wild and sweeping flood,

   
   And whirled round the Castle wall
   And through the doorway flowed,
   But soon again it fell away,
   For she no terror showed.

   
   And then, when out the waters went,
   A fish-like creature wound
   Its body through, in serpent form
   And wriggled on the ground,

   
   And 'twinned about the lady's feet,
   But soon to disappear
   It slunk away, for bravely still
   She showed not any fear.

   
   But third and last, a shadowy form
   Moved silent through the room
   The form of one long years ago
   Laid low within the tomb;

   
   And now it flitted further off,
   And now it flitted near,
   But still the lady, gaging gave
   Not any sign of fear.

   
   Then he who never bent to man
   Or failed in deadly strife,
   By soft entreaty was overcome,
   And yielded to his wife.

   
   Through great in arms, and gently skilled
   In each intricate art,
   The Earl was lost, not knowing
   To try a woman's heart;

   
   For, changed into a small black bird
   And on her shoulder lit,
   The lady scarce had raised her hand
   To stroke and cherish it.

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English