Rich and rare were the gems she wore | Rich and rare were the gems she wore

by Thomas Moore (1779 - 1852)

Rich and rare were the gems she wore

Language: English

Our translations: CAT FRE

Rich and rare were the gems she wore,
And a bright gold ring on her wand she bore;
But oh! her beauty was far beyond
Her sparkling gems, or snow-white wand. 

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

"Sir Knight! I feel not the least alarm,
No son of Erin will offer me harm: -
For though they love woman and golden store,
Sir Knight! they love honour and virtue more!" 

On she went, and her maiden smile
In safety lighted her round the Green Isle;
And blest for ever is she who relied
Upon Erin's honour and Erin's pride.

About the headline (FAQ)

Confirmed with Thomas Moore, A New Edition from the last London Edition, Boston: Lee and Shepard; New York: Lee, Shepard, & Dillingham, 1876.

Text Authorship:

by Thomas Moore (1779 - 1852), "Rich and rare were the gems she wore", appears in Irish Melodies [author's text checked 1 time against a primary source]

Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):

by (Edward) Benjamin Britten (1913 - 1976), "Rich and rare" [sung text checked 1 time]

Settings in other languages, adaptations, or excerpts:

Also set in French (Français), a translation by Thomas Gounet (1801 - 1869) ; composed by Hector Berlioz.
- Go to the text.

Other available translations, adaptations or excerpts, and transliterations (if applicable):

Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]

This text was added to the website: 2003-11-03
Line count: 16
Word count: 124