The Spellbound Knight - Cnoc An Tursa

Lady, darkest thou seek the shore

Which never woman’s footstep bore

Where beneath yon rugged steep

Restless rolls the darksome deep

Darkest thou though thy blood run chill

Thither speed at midnight still

And when horror rules the sky

Rise for lover lost thy cry

Darkest thou at that ghastliest hour

Breathe the word of magic power

Word that breaks the mermaids spell

Which false lover knows too well?

When affrighted specters rise

Twixt pale floods and ebon skies

Darkest thou reft of maiden fear

Bid the water witch appear

When upon the sallow tide

Pearly elfin boat does glide

When the mystic oar is heard

Like the wing baleful bird

Darkest thou with a voice of might

Call upon the spell bound knight

When the shallop neareth land

Darkest thou with the snow white hand

Boldly on the warriors breast

Place the cross by churchman blest

When is done this work of peril

Thou hast won proud Ulster’s earl