| Play/Download Music File Lesley Nelson |
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| This melody is possibly a tune composed by Turlough O'Carolan for the Cavan family of O'Reilly. However, it is more likely a folk tune of older origin. See links below for more information on the tune.
The lyrics are by Thomas Moore (1779-1852). For a complete list of tunes by Thomas Moore at this site see the Contemplator's Short Biography of Thomas Moore. |
Oh! think not my spirits are always as light, And as free from a pang as they seem to you now, Nor expect that the heart beaming smile of tonight, Will return with tomorrow to brighten my brow. No; life is a waste of wearisome hours Which seldom the rose of enjoyment adorns; And the heart that is soonest awake to the flowers, Is always the first to be touch'd by the thorns. But send round the bowl, and be happy a while, May we never meet worse, in our pilgrimage here, Than the tear that enjoyment may gild with a smile, And the smile that compassion can turn to a tear. The thread of our life would be dark, Heaven knows! If it were not with friendship and love intertwin'd; And I care not how soon I may sink to repose, When these blessings shall cease to be dear to my mind. But they who have lov'd the fondest, the purest, Too often have wept o'er the dream they believ'd; And the heart that has slumber'd in friendship securest, Is happy indeed if 'twas never deceiv'd. But send round the bowl: while a relic of truth Is in man or in woman, this pray'r shall be mine, That the sunshine of love may illumine our youth, And the moonlight of friendship console our decline. |
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From
Songs of Ireland J. L. Hatton and J. L. Molloy See Bibliography for full information. |
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