Death and the Maiden

My girl I say be on your guard
  And put folly from your head,
Take my counsel and be hard,
  Think of me and do not wed.

Though you scorn advice today
  When your cheeks are bright and red
And you do not know my way,
  Think of me and do not wed.

Me? Yourself you do not know,
  Never saw yourself in dread,
Pillared throat and breasts of snow—
  Think of me and do not wed.

Give no man your love or hate,
  Leave the foolish words unsaid,
Spare your kisses, they can wait—
  Think of me and do not wed.

Think of me and do not wed,
  Let the road be smooth or hard,
I shall be there when all are fled—
  My girl, I say be on your guard.


Source: O'Connor, Frank (tr); Kings, Lords, & Commons: An
Anthology from the Irish; 1962; London; Macmillan & Co; p.63