“The harp that once through Tara’s Halls”

The Harp that once through Tara’s halls   The soul of music shed, Now hangs as mute on Tara’s walls   As if that soul were fled. So sleeps the pride of former days,   So glory’s thrill is o’er, And hearts that once beat high for praise   Now feel that pulse no more! No more to chiefs and ladies bright   The harp of Tara swells; The chord alone that breaks at night   Its tale of ruin tells. Thus Freedom now so seldom wakes,   The only throb she gives Is when some heart indignant breaks,   To show that still she lives.