| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Lir (King). | | |
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Father of Fionmala. On the death of Fingula, the mother of his daughter, he married the wicked Aoife, who, through spite, transformed the children of Lir into swans, doomed to float on the water till they heard the first mass-bell ring. Thomas Moore has versified this legend. | 1 |
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| “Silent, O Moyle, be the roar of thy water, |
| Break not, ye breezes, your chain of repose, |
| While murmuring mournfully, Lir’s lovely daughter |
| Tells to the night-stars the tale of her woes.” | |
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Irish Melodies, No. ii. 9. |
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