  From the Irish I found in Innisfail the fair, In Ireland, while in exile there, Women of worth, both grave and gay men, Many clerics and many laymen. I travelled its fruitful provinces round And in every one of the five I found, Alike in church and in palace hall, Abundant apparel, and food for all. Gold and silver I found, and money, Plenty of wheat and plenty of honey; I found God's people rich in pity, Found many a feast and many a city. I also found in Armagh, the splendid, Meekness, wisdom, and prudence blended, Fasting, as Christ hath recommended, And noble councillors untranscended. I found in each great church moreo'er, Whether on island or on shore Holy welcome and kind protection. I found thy good lay monks and brothers Ever beseeching help for others, And in their keeping the holy word Pure as it came from Jesus the Lord. I found in Munster unfettered of any, Kings and queens and poets a many— Poets were skilled in music and measure, Prosperous doings, mirth and pleasure. I found in Connaught the just, redundance Of riches, milk in lavish abundance, Hospitality, vigour, fame, In Cruachan's land of heroic name. I found in the county of Connall the glorious Bravest heroes, ever victorious; Fair-complexioned men and warlike, Ireland's lights, the high, the starlike. I found in Ulster, from hill to glen, Hardy warriors, resolute men; And strength transmitted from sire to son. I found in the noble district of Boyle (MS. here illegible.) Brehons, erenachs, weapons bright, And horsemen bold and sudden in fight. I found in Leinster the smooth and sleek, From Dublin to Slewmargy's peak; Flourishing pastures, valour, health, Long-living worthies, commerce, wealth. I found, besides, from Ara to Glea, In the broad rich country of Ossorie, Sweet fruits, good laws for all and each, Great chess players, men of truthful speech. I found in Meath's fair principality, Virtue, vigour, and hospitality; Candour, joyfulness, bravery, purity, Ireland's bulwark and security. I found strict morals in age and youth, I found historians recording truth; I found them all—I have written sooth. James Clarence Mangan |
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