Knocknashee

The winter now is here, And the year steals so swift away Just like a thief in the night, Who comes but to flee. The berries are full bright, And the small birds sing out to me, Oh, but the cold wind blows hard OverKnocknashee. But I've no time - No time for the season: No reason to seek, What glad tidings there may be: Oh, but I curse, curse the very thought, That took you away from me, And left me behind here In Knocknashee. By summer's radiant star, And by love's own sweetest decree, None but the harsh moon, Could steal your beauty from me: Came autumn's falling leaves, And love's wild uncertainty, When, like a vision, you flitted FromKnocknashee. I turned from God, I spurned all religion, And somehow you came, Between Heaven and me Oh, how glad I would trade my very soul, My dear Saviour never to see, For to gain you I'd lose, All eternity. But once when passion's worn, Never more will it return Love loses fashion, Like some old tired melody: The heart that gives too free, Will sorely rejected be - Oh, how I loved you and lost you InKnocknashee. And I will go down Go down to the dark wood, And find that sweet hollow, Where once you lay with me: And, I will face that final place, Where the heart will not weary be, And I will sleep the long sleep now InKnocknashee.