I Shall Not Die for Thee

Translation of a West Irish song

FOR thee, I shall not die,

Woman of high fame and name;

Foolish men thou mayest slay.

I and they are not the same.

Why should I expire

For the fire of an eye,

Slender waist or swan-like limb,

Is't for them that I should die?

The round breasts, teh fresh skin,

Cheeks crimson, hair so long and rich;

Indeed, indeed, I shall not die,

Please God, not I, for any such.

The golden hair, the forehead thin,

The chaste mien, the gracious ease,

The rounded heel, the languid tone, --

Fools alone find death from these.

Thy sharp wit, thy perfect calm,

Thy thin palm, like foam o' the sea;

Thy white neck, thy blue eye,

I shall not die for thee.

Woman, graceful as the swan,

A wise man did nurture me.

Little palm, white neck, bright eye,

I shall not die for ye.

Douglas Hyde

Poets' Corner . H O M E . E-mail