The Spellbound Knight

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.