Thomas Moore: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Rich and rare were the gems she wore

Thomas Moore

“Rich and rare were the gems she wore” as printed in Irish Melodies (1821).

Thomas Moore: Collected Lyrics Text 18 1821 · historical text
Public domainIrish songRomantic ballad
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from Irish Melodies, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

Rich and rare were the gems she wore,

And a bright gold ring on her wand she bore;

But oh! her beauty was far beyond

Her sparkling gems, or snow-white wand.

Verse 2

"Lady! dost thou not fear to stray,

"So lone and lovely, through this bleak way?

"Are Erin's sons so good or so cold,

"As not to be tempted by woman or gold ?"

Verse 3

"Sir Knight! I feel not the least alarm,

"No son of Erin will offer me harm:—

"For though they love woman and golden store,

"Sir Knight! they love honour and virtue more!"

Verse 4

On she went, and her maiden smile

In safety lighted her round the green isle.

And blest for ever is she who relied

Upon Erin's honor, and Erin's pride!

Credits

Written by Thomas Moore

Words by Thomas Moore (died 1852). Historical text published in Irish Melodies (1821); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

Irish Melodies (1821), “Rich and rare were the gems she wore”

Every lyric in this collection was written by Thomas Moore (1779-1852) and first published between 1808 and 1821 (music arranged by John Stevenson, 1761-1833); both contributors died more than 170 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide, and the edition carries a pre-1931 United States public-domain tag. The credited author died in 1852.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-24. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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