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KING OF IRELAND'S SON, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: Now all away to tir na n'og are many roads


Now all the way to Tir na n'Og are many roads that run,
Now all away to Tir na n'Og are many roads that run.
But the darkest road is trodden by the King of Ireland's Son.
But he has ta'en the longest lane, the King of Ireland's son.
The world wears on to sundown, and love is lost and won,

But he recks not of loss or gain, the King of Ireland's Son.

He follows on for ever, when all your chase is done,
There 's roads of hate, and roads of love, and many a middle way,
And castles keep the valleys deep where happy lovers stray -
He follows after shadows-the King of Ireland's Son.





Where Aongus goes there 's many a rose burns red mid shadows dun,

No rose there is will draw his kiss, the King of Ireland's son.


And yonder, where the sun is high, Love laughs amid the hay.
But smile and sigh have passed him by, and never make delay.


And here (and O! the sun is low!) they're glad for harvest won,
But naught he cares for wheat or tares, the King of Ireland's son!


And you have flung love's apple by, and I'm to pluck it yet:
But what are fruits of gramarye with druid dews beset?


Oh what are magic fruits to him who meets the Lianan-sidhe
Or hears athwart the distance dim Fionn's horn blow drowsily!


He follows on for ever when all your chase is done
He follows after shadows, the King of Ireland's son.






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