The Student

The Irish are a pious race, and the anthology of Irish verse in
which I first read this poem makes the fourth verse end “In lovemaking
with a friend around him.” The Irish is execrable, but the sentiment
is of great distinction.



The student’s life is pleasant,
  And pleasant is his labour,
Search all Ireland over
  You’ll find no better neighbour.

Nor lords nor petty princes
  Dispute the student’s pleasure
Nor chapter stints his purse,
  Nor stewardship his leisure.

None orders early rising,
  Calf-rearing or cow-tending,
Nor nights of toilsome vigil;
  His time’s his own for spending.

He takes a hand at draughts
  And plucks a harp-string bravely,
And fills his nights with courting
  Some golden-haired light lady.

And when spring-time is come
  The plough-shaft’s there to follow—-
A fistful of goose-quills
  And a straight, deep furrow.


Source: O'Connor, Frank (tr); Kings, Lords, & Commons: An Anthology
from the Irish; 1962; London; Macmillan & Co; p.72