| Padraic Colum (1881–1972). Anthology of Irish Verse. 1922. |
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| 121. Lament for Sean MacDermott |
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| By Seumas O'Sullivan |
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| THEY have slain you, Sean MacDermott; never more these eyes will greet | |
| The eyes beloved by women, and the smile that true men loved; | |
| Never more I’ll hear the stick-tap, and the gay and limping feet, | |
| They have slain you, Sean the Gentle, Sean the valiant, Sean the proved. | |
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| Have you scorn for us who linger here behind you, Sean the wise? | 5 |
| As you look about and greet your comrades in the strange new dawn. | |
| So one says, but saying, wrongs you, for doubt never dimmed your eyes, | |
| And not death itself could make those lips of yours grow bitter, Sean. | |
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| As your stick goes tapping down the heavenly pavement, Sean, my friend, | |
| That is not your way of thinking, generous, tender, wise and brave; | 10 |
| We, who knew and loved and trusted you, are trusted to the end, | |
| And your hand even now grips mine as though there never were a grave. | |
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