American Old Time Song Lyrics: 08 The Fenians Escape

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 8

THE FENIANS ESCAPE.
Sung by James O'Neil

Now, boys, if you will listen to the story I'll relate,
I'll tell you of the noble men who from the foe escaped;
Though bound with Saxon fetters, in the dark Australian Jail,
They struck a blow for freedom, and for Yankee land set sail-
On the 17th of April last the stars and stripes did fly
On board the bark " Catalpa," waving proudly to the sky;
She Rhowed the green above the red, as she did calmly lay,
Prepared to take the Fenian boys in safety o'er the sea.

When Breslln and brave Desmond brought the prisoners to the shore.
They gave one shout for freedom-soon to bless them evermore-
And manned by gallant hearts, they pulled towards the Yankee flag.
For well they knew, from its proad folds, no tyrant could them drag;
They have nearly reached in safety the "Catalpa," taut and trim,
When fast approaching them they saw a vision dark and dim,
It was the steamer "Georgette," and on her deck there stood
One hundred hired assassins, to shed each patriot's blood.

The steamer reached the bounding bark, and fired across her bow,
They in loud voice commanded that the vessel should heave to;
But noble Captain Anthony, in thunder tones did cry:
You dare not fire a shot at that bright flag, that floats on high;
My ship is sailing peacefully beneath that flag of stars,
It's manned by Irish hearts of oak, and manly Yankee tars-
And that dear emblem at the fore, so plain now to be seen,
'Tis the banner I'll protect, old Ireland's flag of green.

The Britisher he sailed away-from the stars and stripes he ran-
He knew his chance was slim to light the boys of Uncle Sam;
So Hogan, Wilson, Harrington with Darragh off did go,
With Hassett and bold Cranston, soon to whip the Saxon foe.
Here's luck to that noble captain, who well these men did free,
He dared the English man-of-war to fight him on the sea;
And here's to that dear emblem, which in triumph shall be seen,
The flag for which those patriots fought, dear Ireland's flag of green.