Here are the lyrics as sung by O'Connor: You matchless nine, to my aid incline, And assist my genius whilst I declare My lovesick pain for a beauteous dame, Whose killing charms did me ensnare : Sly little Cupid has knocked me stupid ; In grief I mourn, for upon my oath ; My frame's declining, I'm so repining For Hannah Healy, the pride of Howth. She is tall and slender, both young and tender ; She is modest, mild, and so sublime ; For education in Erin's nation There is none to equal this nymph divine ; I wish to gain her, but I can't obtain her, I would fondly court her, but still I'm loath, Lest I should tease her or once displease her, Sweet Hannah Healy, the pride of Howth. At seventeen this maid serene My heart attracted, I must allow ; I thought her surely a goddess purely, Or some bright angel, and that I vow ; Since that I languish, my mind's in anguish, A deep decline it has curbed my growth ; My frame's declining, I'm so repining For Hannah Healy, the pride of Howth. In all Olympus I'm sure no nymph is, To equal her that I do admire ; Her charming features surpass nature ; Alas, she has set my heart on fire ; She exceeds Flora, and bright Aurora, And beauteous Venus from the briny froth ;— I'm captivated—I do repeat it— By Hannah Healy, the pride of Howth. Each lovely morning young men come swarming To view this charmer taking the air ; She is so enchanting, they are all panting To gain her favour, I do declare ; But still they're fearful, and in no way cheerful, The greatest hero you'll find him loath, Don't dare entreat her or supplicate her, So bright an angel is the pride of Howth. I will stop my writing and my inditing, I see it's useless for me to fret ; One pound of trouble, or sorrow double, Will ne'er atone for one ounce of debt ; I'll resign courting and all like sporting, Cupid and Hymen, I'll shun them both, And raise my mind from all female kind— So adieu, sweet Hannah, the pride of Howth !
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