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!