St. Patrick's Day

 THE MINSTREL BOY

by Thomas Moore

Hear the Melody

The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone

In the ranks of death you will find him;

His father's sword he hath girded on,

And his wild harp slung behind him;"

Land of Song!" said 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!"

 

Comments

[Carol Geddes Stickley]

What is the meaning of the line in RIGHTS OF MAN that says "Believe in Graine"? Is the "Mitre and Cross" a reference to St. Patrick? Does anyone know how old this song is?