To Ireland
(In memory of the things that came to pass in
April and May 1798.)
Let Erin remember the heroes brave,
And gild their names in her story, Who
nobly died their land to save
When knaves forgot her glory:
Ah! bold and leal, in the bearna baoghail
Like brothers at last uniting,
Stout heart and hand, they took their stand,
For Ireland, for Ireland fighting.
Some speak of victories, of battles fought,
With never a gun’s loud pealing;
Of freedom won and the rights long sought,
With never a life-blood’s sealing: –
Ah! with ring of steel, the bearna baoghail
Ever echoes the Nation’s calling;
And he loves her best who with dauntless breast
Dies there, for Ireland falling.