Rich and Rare

1. "Rich and rare were the gems she wore,
And a bright gold ring on her wand she bore
But O her beauty was far beyond
Her sparkling gems and snow white wand.

2. "Lady! dost thou not fear to stray,
So lone and lovely, thro' this bleak way?
Are Erin's sons so good or so cold
As not to be tempted by woman or gold?"

3. "Sir Knight! I feel not the least alarm; 
No son of Erin will offer me harm; 
For, tho' they love woman and golden store, 
Sir Knight, they love honour and virtue more!

4. On she went, and her maiden smile 
In safety lighted her round the green isle  
And blest for ever was she who relied 
Upon Erin's honour and Erin's pride!


From “The Irish Melodies” by Thomas Moore, 1808.  Air from “The Summer is coming.”  From the footnotes:  “This ballad is founded upon the following anecdote: -- "The people were inspired with such a spirit of honour, virtue, and religion by the great example of Brien, and by his excellent administration, that, as a proof of it, we are informed that a young lady of great beauty, adorned with jewels and a costly dress, undertook a journey alone, from one end of the kingdom to the other, with a wand only in her hand, at the top of which was a ring of exceeding great value; and such an impression had the laws and government of this Monarch made on the minds of all the people, that no attempt was made upon her honour, nor was she robbed of her clothes or jewels." -- Warner's History of Ireland, vol. i., book x.”