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208 THE GOLDEN TREASURY OF |
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MRS. POWER O'DONOGHUE
Nannie Lanbert REBEL SONG OF '98
A
LAS, for the days of dear Ireland's splendor, When radiant and bright was the Emerald Gem, When nations were wont to her laws to surrender,
And she, in return, yielded homage to them ! Alas, for the days when the lip of the poet,
Twined garlands of melody round the green Isle, When men who were Patriots gloried to show it, And met their reward in their country's glad smile !
Alas, for the days ere the hand of a stranger
Was ruthlessly laid on her freedom and laws ! Secure in her glory, she dreamed not of danger,
Till, Liberty, weeping, said—"Fight in my cause." Alas, for her children, now trembling and fearing,
Whilst sorrow and pain mark the year as it runs, Each shamrock that falls from the chapel of Erin
Is heavy and wet with the tears of her sons !
But wherefore give place to inactive repining?
Or squander the moments in pitiful dreams ? The day star of Liberty brightly is shining,
And waits but your mandate to give ye its beams. Then lift up the sword for dear Ireland's glory,
And in the true cause let your courage be seen Till, all the world over, men thrill to the story,
And join in the war-cry—" Hurrah for the Green !" |
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