Classic Poem

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 is his 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.