For Noreen

Oh the sun was setting behind the mountain
The dew was falling behind the lea
As I was seated beside a fountain
A feathered songster sang on each tree
With love and blisses his notes were blending
And made me reminded of days of yore
When in a bower I plucked a flower
And I dreamed of Edward on Lough Erne's shore

A crop of my sorrow my heart is reaping
My rose is faded and my hopes decay
Since in the night-time when all are sleeping
Awake I'm weeping till the break of day
Delight has fled me and woe has wed me
Why did you leave me, my love asthore?
For love compelled him and banished Edward
Who'd not forsake me on Lough Erne's shore

The cuckoo's notes in the air are sounding
Appeal to feelings and please the ear
And every note with a bliss abounding
Are in the valley if he were near
Each step I take by the winding river
Where we have wandered in days of yore
Reminds me of Edward, my banished lover
And makes me lonely on Lough Erne's shore

Oh could I move like a moon in motion
I'd send a sigh o'er the distant deep
Or could I fly like a bird o'er the ocean
By my Edward's side I would ever keep
I'd fondly soothe him, with songs amuse him
I'd gently soothe him and he'd sigh no more
And seven long years I would soon pass over
And we'd both live happy on Lough Erne's shore