Thomas Moore

From “Irish Melodies”. 55. The Minstrel Boy

          The Minstrel-Boy to the war is gone,
                In the ranks of death you’ll find him;
          His father’s sword he has girded on,
                And his wild harp slung behind him.
          "Land of song!" said the warrior-bard,
                "Though 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 his proud soul under;
          The harp he loved ne’er spoke again,
                For he tore its chords asunder;
          And said, "No chains shall sully thee,
                Thou soul of love and bravery!
          Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
                They shall never sound in slavery."