THE MINSTREL BOY - Thomas Moore

 

The minstrel boy to the war is gone

In the ranks of death you'll find him

His father's sword he hath girded on

And his wild harp slung behind him


"Land of Song" cried the warrior bard
"Tho' all the world betrays thee
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard
One faithful harp shall praise thee"

The minstrel fell but the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again
For he tore its chords asunder

And said, "No chains shall sully thee

Thou soul of love and brav'ry

Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery"




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