O'Kelly has manuring for his land, that is not sand or dung, but ready
soldiers doing bravery with pikes, that were left in Aughrim stretched
in ridges--Och ochone!

Who is that beyond on the hill, Ben Edair? I a poor soldier with King
James. I was last year in arms and in dress, but this year I am asking
alms--Och ochone!




_An Aran Maid's Wedding_


I am widow and maid, and I very young; did you hear my great grief,
that my treasure was drowned? If I had been in the boat that day, and
my hand on the rope, my word to you, O'Reilly, it is I would have saved
you sorrow.

Do you remember the day the street was full of riders, and of priests
and brothers, and all talking of the wedding feast? The fiddle was
there in the middle, and the harp answering to it; and twelve mannerly
women to bring my love to his bed.

But you were of those three that went across to Kilcomin, ferrying
Father Peter, who was three-and-eighty years old; if you came back
within a month itself, I would be well content; but is it not a pity
I to be lonely, and my first love in the waves?