Killiney Bay

The sunset lights are streaming Along Killiney Bay, And o’er its gentle ripples Like gems of splendour play.

Upon the distant mountains Soft hues of purple rest; And deeper shades of evening The sombre vales invest.

O’er all the varied landscape The richest beauty glows; And light and shade are mingling In calmness and repose.

Whilst thus sublimely roving The mountain’s lofty brow, We hear the calm sea murmur Amid the rocks below.

Around the thyme and heather, Bloom fragrant, fresh and fair, And health and joy seem floating Upon the breezy air.

The insect’s happy murmur, The wild bird’s rapid flight, The distant vessel gliding, All give the heart delight!

From scenes so rife with beauty, Sweet thoughts of gladness rise All calm and pure and peaceful, Like dreams of paradise.

But that which adds a sweetness, These circling joys above, Is this our happy meeting Of kindred—friendship—love!

This hour must gain a record On memory’s brightest page, And live in hues most lovely To life’s remotest age.

That scene hath swiftly faded, That time hath passed away, But oft is re-illumined By fancy’s kindling ray.

Whilst now in peace enjoying An English hearth and home, The mountain scenes of Erin In glorious vision come;

And thoughts and fancies flutter To prove this truth most sweet, That friends by distance parted Can yet in spirit meet!