Colleen Rue
Source: The Stone Fiddle by Paddy Tunney
Location: New Edition, page 132
As I roved out on a summer’s morning a speculating most curiously,
To my surprise, whom should I spy but a rural maiden approaching me.
I stood a while in deep meditation, contemplating what I should do,
Till at last recruiting all my sensations, I thus accosted the Colleen Rue.
“Are you Aurora or the goddess Flora, Artemidora or Venus bright
Or Helen fair beyond compare, whom Paris stole from the Grecian sight?
O fairest maiden you have enslaved me, I’m caplivated in Cupid’s clew.
Your golden sayings are infatuations that have ensnared me, a Colleen Rue.”
“Kind sir, be easy and do not tease me with your false praises most jestingly.
Your dissimulation and invocation are vaunting praises alluring me.
I’m not Aurora of the goddess Flora, but a rural maiden to all men’s view,
Who is here condoling my situation; my appellation the Colleen Rue.”
“Oh, were I hector, that noble victor who fell a victim to Grecian skill.
Or were I Paris whose deeds are various an arbitrator on Ida’s hill.
I’d range through Asia, likewise Arabia, Pennsylvania seeking for you,
The burning raygions like sage Orpheus all for to find my sweet Colleen Rue.”