Sweet heaven's smile Gleamed o'er the isle¹, That gems² the dreamy sea. One far gone day, And flash'd its ray, More than a thousand years away, Pure Bridget, over thee.

    White as the snow, That falls below To earth on Christmas night, Thy pure face shone On every one； For Christ's sweet grace thy heart had won To make thy birth-land bright.

    A cloud hangs o'er Thy Erin's shore —— Ah！ God, 'twas always so. Ah！ virgin³ fair Thy heaven pray'r Will help thy people in their care, And save them from their woe⁴.

    Thou art in light —— They are in light； Thou hast a crown —— they a chain. The very sod, Made theirs by God, Is still by tyrants⁵' footsteps trod； They pray —— but all in vain.

    Thou！ near Christ's throne, Dost hear the moan Of all their hearts that grieve； Ah！ virgin sweet, Kneel at His feet, Where angels' hymns⁶ thy prayer shall greet, And pray for them this eve.