Collection of Irish Song Lyrics
Snowy Breasted Pearl
There's a colleen fair as May
For a year and for a day I have sought by every way
Her heart to gain There's no art of tongue or eye
Fond youths with maidens try
But I've tried with ceaseless sigh
And tried in vain.
Chorus
If to France or far off Spain
She crossed the watery main
To see her face again T
he seas I'd brave
And if it's heaven's decree
That mine she'll never be
May the Son of Mary Me in mercy save.
But a kiss with welcome bland
And the touch of thy fair hand
Are all that I demand
Wouldst thou not spurn
For if not mine dear girl
My snowy breasted pearl
May I never from the fair
With life return.
Chorus These words are translated from the Irish by George Petrie (who wrote Ancient Music of Ireland (1855). The tune appears in A General Collection of the Ancient Irish Music by Edward Bunting (1796). It is there credited to Turlough O'Carolan. Coutessy of: http://www.contemplator.com/ireland/pearl.html
