^ f- '^.CTJt-^ THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES I ;3 r POEMS i( Eva/' of "The Nation." FIRST EDITION. Revised and Corkected bt the Authoe. SAN FRANCISCO: Published and Printed by P. J. Thomab, 505 Clay Street. 1877. tercd accordicg to Act of Conerces, in tho year 1S7T, by V. J. Thomas, ia th5 crs 'o of tho Librarian of Congress, at 'Washington. TO THE MEMORY or JOHN MITCHEL AND JOHN MARTIN, "FELONS" OF '48, THESE POEMS A plaintive echo of your voices low, Soma little gleam, some whispered word that lessens The awful silence that the parted know. II. O ye dead ! ye wild-lamented dead, Who draw me onward by the links of pain To that strange, neutral gi-ound, o'ershadowed Between two worlds that yet ajoart remain, Is there no might in sorrow wildly yearning ? Is there no magic in the strong " I will " — In love that, ever throbbing, ever btirning, Keeps lonely watch upon that pathway still ? III. O ye dead ! ye silent, shapeless dead. Who will not — cannot force that granite wall, Behind whose shade, impalpable and dread, Ye hear not, see not those who wildly call. 10 LAMENT FOR TIIOMAS DJ VIS. The heavy, sullen air around you brooding Will waft no sigh or murmur to yoiir ears ; The changeless ebon darkness round you flooding No ray can pierce from those sad earthly spheres. IV. ye dead ! ye well-r'emembered dead — Remembered so that Death can never change Th' impassion'd thoughts to you that once were wed. But makes them ever towards you darkly range. For me your eyes can ne'er look blank or hollow, Your touch can chill not, nQi- your voices awe; Along that mystic jjath I fain would follow, Drawn onward by a secret spirit law. LAMENT FOR THOMAS DAVIS. I. I MOURN thcG, Thomas Davis, dark, dark and wearily; Oh, shut the light from out mine eyes, for I cannot bear to see; I c amot look upon the earth and you no longer there : 'Tis now, and evermore will bo, as my heart is, cold and bare. Thomas Davis ! Thomas Davis ! amtshla Klfmre machrec ! My heart, my heart is pouring out black, bitter tears for thee. ir. Oh, how can I believe it? it can't bo as they say. That all the gifts so near to Heaven are quenched within the clay; It cannot be, it cannot be, that all the noble dower Of Truth, and Love, and Genius high, on this earth no more has power. Thomas Davis ! Thomas Davis ! — is that a phantom name — An empty, silent, churchyard word, so full of life and fame ? LAMEST FOR THOMAS DAVIS. U III. Oh, let me tliiuk ujion him ! Are all the thoughts of years, So firm and bright around him twined, now lor ever steeped in tears ? And must we have but memories of all that ho has been, Like Autumn's dry and withered leaves, that we saw so fresh and green? Thomas Davis! Thomas Davis! sure, sure it is not friie. Oh, who, since first we heard your name, e'er thought of Death and you ! IV. Bright sparks of gold are dancing upon the river's breast. And soft and bright the sky appears as it lies in gentle rest. The sun is slumbering warm and fair on fields so still and green And j)roudly look the mountains down on the gentle, smiling scene ; Nought is changing, nought is changing; the soixnd of life goes on. There is no change, there is no change ; and, sure, he can't be gone ! V. Ah, woe is me, on this sad day ! I know my tears are true. Deep, deep within the change that's come, 'twas well, too well I knew. And you — oh, you, mavourneen oge ! — our glory and our trust, Oh, who could ever dream such might would crumble into dust ? Can W3 ever, can we ever mind Love or Hope again, When brightest Hope, and truest Love, no more to us remain? VI. I see the hills of Ormond, the Slonnn's* pleasant shore: I think how well you loved their sight, and you'll look on them no more ! * Shannon. 12 THE PA-rniOT MOTHER. You loved them -well, mavoumeen, every stream and mountain blue ! You loved them in j-our bosom's core, oh, and won't they mourn for you? "Won't they sorrow, won't they soitow, this sad and woful day, And Thomas Davis lying low, within the darksome clay ! VII. And will your voice, oh, never, be heard where it hath poured, Among the friends so fondly loved, the free and fearless word ? And won't you see their banners wave, and hear their triamphs swell, "When they chase the foreign foe away from the land you loved so well ? Oh, the caoine, oh, the caoine, will mingle with the tide Of loud-resounding triumph when we think of him who died ! VIII. Oh, why am I still able to pour my depth of woe ? Oh, why am I not lying now where you are lying low ? Embalmed in all yoiir noble deeds and thoughts so proud and high. Above your grave in misery we're left this day to lie — As the green moss, as the green moss, from off the tree is torn, Ho you were taken from our hearts, and we are left forlorn! THE PATRIOT MOTHER. A BALLAD OF '98, U /"|OME, tell un the names of the rebelly crew \j Who lifted the pike on the Curragh with you ; Come, tell us their treason, and then you'll be free. Or right quickly you'll swing from the high gallows tree." THE PATRIOT MO THE U. 13 I. "Alanna! alannal* the shadow of shame Has never yet fall'ii iipon one of your name, And, oh, may the food from my bosom yon drew In your veins turn to poison if you turn untrue. II. "The foul words, oh, let them not blacken your tongue, That would prove to your friends and your country a wrong, Or the curse of a mother, so bitter and dread. With the wrath of the Lord — may they fall on your head ! III. " I have no one but you in the whole world wide, Yet, fabc to your pledge, you'd ne'er stand at my side ; If a traitor you lived, j^ou'd be farther away From my heart, than if true, you were wrapped in the clay. IV. " Oh, deeper and darker the mourning would be For your falsehood so base, than your death, proud and free- Dearer, far dearer than ever to me. My darling, you'll be on the brave gallows tree. " 'Tis holy, agra, from the bravest and best — Go ! go ! from my heart, and be joii:ed with the rest ; Alamia machree ! alanna machree.'\ Sure a ' stag't and a traitor you never will be." VI. There's no look of a traitor upon the young brow That's raised to the tempters so haughtily now ; No traitor e'er held up the firm head so high — No traitor e'er showed such a proud, flashing eye. * My child ! my child I t Child o£ my heart, t An informer. 14 o LOTALTT. Til. On the bigh gallows tree ! on the brave gallows tree, "Where smiled leaves and blossoms, his sad doom met he I But it never bore blossom so pnre or so fair As the heart of the martyr who hangs from it there ! LOYALTY. I. I'LL not leave old Ireland, though fall'n she may be; I'll not leave old Ireland until she is free. Though light be her hope, and though dark be her fear, I know in my heart that her dawning is near. II. The wild geese are going, the wild geese are gone; The gay ships are dancing to bear them along; There's waiiing behind them and sorrow before — • They'll never again see their own island shore ! iir. The west winds are blowing across the wild main, The west winds ai'c beck'ning to freedom and gain; But your tears and your mourning are dearer to me: My place is beside you, acuslila machree 1 IV. Would I fly to the sunshine, and you in the shadp? Would I leave the green bosom that moulded and made ? Is it while you were mourning — i,-> it while you were low— Oh, my tears they are falling: you know I won't go ! To strive and to struggle, to live or to die. My place is beside you if all were to fly-r- To pity and cherish, to help and defend, Through labor and sorrow to wait for the end. TO THOMAS FRAXCIS MEAGUER. 15 TO THOMAS FRANCIS MEAGHER, I. THE ancient towers of the land, The mountains blue and hoary, The murmuring rivers, bright and bland, Seem lit with newer glory. They look on thee, they smile on thee; Young patriot, bend thee lowly — A spirit deep of prophecy Breathes o'er thee, true and holy! II. Oh, fold thy hands and bend thy brow, For solemn words are spoken — The glorious way before thee now Is yet through bonds unbroken. Go! strong in warrior's heart of fire, And tongue of Coradh's* power. Nor force of wiles nor darkest ire May triumph o'er that dower! OUR COURSE I. WE turn to ye, O preachers of a nation's solemn vow. With strength unfaiUng f oi; the path that we must tread in now. Men of the Eath of MuUaghmast, of Tara's sacred hill. Men of the dungeon and the gyves, are ye those strong men still ? *The war musicians of ancient Ireland were called Coradhs. 16 OUR COURSE. II. Oh, meet for us to rest upon tlae stern-recorded gage Of generous and bounding youth and wisdom-tempered age, Whose words gleam out like fiery stars upon the broad, bright sky, Before the gaze of all the world, as shining and as high. III. "We falter not upon the way that nobly ye have shown ; "No failing, now, within our souls until we gi"asp our own !" That oath! — 'tis writ! — where'er we turn it fills the very air: We place our hands upon our hearts, and feel 'tis written there ! IV. We know the weapons of our foe, the taunt, the doubt, the lie. The friendly sneer, the audacious threat, the blight of treachery. But through the dungeon, field or grave still onward is our way — Still journeying through the gloom of night, as in the blaze of day! That path for us is graven deep, 'tis marked by many a wrong. Is heralded by patriots dear in many a martyred throng. Is it not traced by true men's steel, and lighted by their words ? Shall it be barred against our march by all those threatening hordes ? VI. No! did we pause or turn aside from that we're sworn to do, We well might blush to look upon the Heaven before our view: Not loud enough the thunder peal, not bright enough the sun, To tell the listening world our shame, if this foul deed were done ! DO WN, BRn\lNNlA I 17 DOWN, BRITANNIA! I. DOWN, Britannia ! brigand , do-wTi ! No more to rule with sceptred hand ; Truth raises o'er thy throne and crown Her exorcising wand. I see " the -«Titing on the wall," The proud, the thrice-accursed shall fall — Down, Britannia, down! II. Jubilate!— rings the ciy Exialtingly from pole to pole, With bended knee and glistening eye Glad shouts of triumph roll. lo pman — raise the song : From sea to shore it sweeps along — Down, Britannia, down ! III. For cold deceit, through long, long years, For iron rule with blood-stained sword, For brave men's lives, for woman's tears. For basely-broken word, There comes a loud exulting voice, Bidding the long-oppressed rejoice — Down, Britannia, down ! rv. The golden sands of Indian clime, The China towers of old Pekin Have seen the desolating print Of thy dark hoof of sin ; 18 DO WN, BRITANNIA ! And, ground and trampled to the death, Their children cry with Litest breath — Down, Britannia, down ! Still wailing at the Eternal gate, See myriad blood-stained sceptres stand; They cry aloud through night and day Against thy robber hand: For " Vengeance, vengeance, dark and dire, Lord of glory, show thine ire ! — Down, Britannia, down!" VI. Tes, down, if Heaven will aid the brave, If life and strength have but this aim, Accounting Ijlood and toil as nought So thou art brought to shame. God grant to us the final blow. Unto the dust to strike thee low — Down, Britannia, down ! VII. For this have heroes fought and bled, For this have pined in exile lone; For this the gallows bore its fruit, And yet it was not won. But, oh, 'tis worth a struggle yet. Though every hearth with blood were wet — Down, Britannia, down ! VIII. When banded are the good and true. We know, at least, the word is said; We march along the glorious way, By Heavenly teaching led. It comes at last, the wished-for hour. For all to cry with prophet power — Down, Britannia, down ! CHARTIST ADDRESS. 19 CHARTIST ADDTvESS. T)EAri, a bravo heart, my brothers all- ) The hearts of EngUshmen ; Strive well for that old land of j'ours, And make it free again. The tramp of Freedom loud resounds Through all the list'ning world, And now she's coming o'or the sea, AVilh her brave flag unfurled ! II.- The People's cause is one alono Through all the world wide ; By foreign name, or foreign tongue. That cause you can't divide ! Two races only do I see Upon this globe of ours : The cheated sons of woe and toil, The juggling "higher powers !" m. One master crushes both alike, The Saxon and the Celt — For all the pomp of throne and state Our bone and substance melt. Then, hand in hand, we'll face the foe, And grapple with the wrong, And show the tyrant and the slave A people's will is strong ! 20 HYMN OF THE SWORD. lY. They dare not palter with the stern, Nor stnigglc wilh the true; Our hearts shall guard the iDiecions green, And yours the red and blue. Close up, close up ! in ranks of steel — ■ The people's cause — hurrah ! Oppressors of your fellow-men, We wait not for a day ! By the high might of Truth and Eight, More potent than the storm ; By the great vow, all reckless now. Of reddest war's alarm — We'll have our own despite them all. Or Commons, Queen or Lords ; And we'll read our Charter by the light Of ten thousand flashing swords ! HYMN OF THE SWORD. CHEBUB of snowy wing. Who armed thy strong right hand With tliat red lightning steel Before the Heavenly land ? Who gave to thee the sword. The dark-defending sword, Before the gate to stand ? HYMN OF THE SWORD. 21 II. It flaslied in awful might, The fieiy, golden sword — Death-dealing, sacred steel, The Viceroy of the Lord ! No mighty word he spoke, But all his wrath awoke In the kingly-flaming sword ? III. Give us that sword, O God ! — Give us that fiery sword ! As holy things as Eden's vales Have we for thee to guard : Home, Country, Honor, Faith, To guard from taint and scath — ■ Give us that fiery sword ! IV. "Where is our sword, God ? Where is our flaming steel. To make the desecrating foe Before Thy footstool reel ? "Where is our guardian sword, Before the gate to stand, A free and holy land. To sentinel for Thee ? V. "We stand before Thee now, Before Thy throne adored ; Give us that sacred trust, Give us that watch and ward- Untiring guardians we. Before Thine eye shall be. Armed with Thy fiery sword ! 22 THE LORDS OF THE SOIL. THE LORDS OF THE SOIL. I. YE Gentlemen of Ireland, ■wh.o stand upon the sod Where oncayoui" gallant ancestors in pride and freedom trod ! H.ivc yo no thouglit or feeling li'-gli that marked your noble race ? In word, or look, or deed may -svc that regal lineage trace ? II. Upon each hill above yc, within each sunny vale, Their tones of triumph swelled rdoud, their banners kissed the galo; Amongst the lieath-beds, bronzed with light, where dashing torrents ran, Has rung the war-cry, stern and loud, of many a mountain clan. HI. In broad lar-Conachl 's region, where rise the Arran isles, Where, heaving up its bosom strong, the fair Lough Corrib smiles ; Where towers Ben Nepliin, mighty, a lord above the sea. There some have ruled with sceptred hand whose name abides with ye. IV. Upon Camailte's mountain, whoso head is white with years, What thrilling cries have mingled with the clashing of the spears ! On evei-y si)ot of Irish ground bright memories start and throng. That as a golden treasure still to Irish hearts belong ! V. The broad lands of your fathers still stretch before you Ihere, Your homes are on that hallow'd ground, but not as thdr homes were ; The emgrald fields you call your own, at what a j^rice you hold ! Each free-born thought and word of yours unto your masters sold ! THE FALLEN QUEEN. 23 TI. O Pariahs of Europe ! apes of British rule ! Bass mixture of the selfisii knave and of the piteoiis fool ! Go, stand before your haughty lords, and cringe and fawn and wait The honor of a nod that tells the meanness of your state ! VII. Oh! ye are useful weapons of tyrants and of knaves, To strike into that coimtry 's heait where rest your fathers' graves ! Around you breaks a bitter wail, Avith wrath and anguish fraught : "Like weight of mountains on your heads be all the ills you've wrought !" THE FALLEN QUEEN. I. I MOURN within my palace hall. Amid the ruin and wreck; No royal trappings round me fall, Nor gems my forehead deck. The golden sceplre now is felled ; And bowed the haughty mien Of her who once in glory held The rank of rightful queen. n. My children wail with bitter tears The grief that sears my brow. And I'm alone amid their fears, "With none to aid me now. ii THE FALLEN QUEEN. My head is covered with the dust, And soiled my robes of green; I am a woman wronged and lost, But not the less a queen. ni. For traitor Might may trample down Whate'er is pure and true; Bat Right still wears her golden crown, And claims her glorious due. So cv'n amid their cruel power I still can stand serene. And hold undimmed the sacred dower Of one, a true-born queen. IV. For God hath given to me a place. And set on me a sign That mortal hand can ne'er deface, Nor I can ne'er resign. And though above the land and wave The spoiler strong is seen, He's not the less a robber knave. Nor I the less a queen. I once had stores at my command, Rich blessings from above ; My subjects all a faithful band To guard me with their love. Alasl alas! their life-blood dyes Those faded robes of green, And nought remains but tears and sighs For me, theu- fallen queen ! NATIONAL MARCH. 2S NATIONAL MARCH "l/rEN of the soil ! good men and true, . .ij. Quick be }■ our march the dark way through. Proud is the moment when wrongs are redrest, Lying for ages a load on the breast. Ou ! on ! through doubt and through danger, On, over the head of the stranger — Forward, and carry the day ! What is before ? the gibbet or sword — Patriot men, do ye seek a reward ? On ! on every step there is fame ; Back ! and be lost in th' abysm of shame. On ! on ! 'tis the day of salvation ; On ! ou ! 'tis the hour for a nation — Forward ! the struggle is come ! in. March ! march ! men of the soil, Foi'ce, shall it swerve ye, or treachery foil ? Yours is to sweep every wrong from its stand, Or leave not a trace of yourselves in the land. On ! on ! no fear or no failing, Listen no more to the cold or the quailing — Forward ! the day is your own ! 46 THE GATHERING. THE GATHERING. COME forth ! Is it true that ye cannot awaken ? Come forth, ere this hoiu- from our vengeance be taken ! To blot out the darkness of numberless ages, To brighten the future for history's pages ; Come forth in your wrath, in your sorrow and madness, As swift as the torrents leap out in their gladness ; For wi'ongs to avenge, and for rights to recover, Come on, with the ardor and hope of a lover ! Come forth, with the thoughts that are burning within you ; Let glory and honor and memory win you. Of many a hope and a joy they've bereft you. But strength for the contest still, still it is left you. Come on, by the sorrows that wildly oppress you ; By the hope of that triumph that surely will bless you ! By the past driven forth, by the future invited. There's a voice and a sign that may never be slighted ! •They come, the brave sons of the Emerald Mother, They come to the struggle, sire, cUavan* and brother ! From the cUfif and the mountain I see them down pouring, Their war-cry the voice of the tempest outroaring. With proud eyes to dare ev'n the lightning and thunder, The ranks of the foemcn all breaking asunder. Like rivers that sound in their silvery laughter. With wave upon wave dashing after and after ! For, oh ! it is mirthful to meet thus together. With pike in the hand and with foot on the heather; To think of the wrong, as you grasp with the wronger. And feel the deep soul growing stronger and stronger ; And think that one blow will, for ever and ever, Our nation and name from all tyranny sever. Oh, day of all days ! when the old soil, awoken, Will trample the chains she has fearlessly broken ! • AnQl'iCt.—YricQdi or relative. GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE. 27 GOD SAVE THE PEOPLE. GOD save the People all ! While thrones and sceptres round them fall, Shout aloud the sacred call, God save the People ! n. Through cannon's roar, and flash of steel, As laws and systems rock and reel. Through strife that blood, perchance, must seal, God save the People ! m. God save those who solely can Giaard the soil from shame and ban ; • Then be the prayer of every man, God save the People ! IV. From misty dreams, from words that glow Above the void that lies below. From this their ancient curse and woe, God save the People ! V. From evil thought to mar the cause, From falsehood to The Eternal's laws, From headlong rush or coward pause, God save the People ! 38 TBE REBEL'S SERMON— A STREET BALLAD. YI. From knaves and fools -who seek to sway. When 7nen alone should lead the way, (Upon the waves the spotless spray) — God save the People ! VII. The snowy wings are flutteriug by, Of angel opportunity ! ' Let her not mount unto the sky — God save the People ! THE REBEL'S SERMON— A STREET BALLAD. I. MY brothers, all, who hear me now, Give ear to what I say ; The words are solemn that I speak On this, my dying day : For Ireland's love, for England's hate, I swore a solemn vow. And if I swore it once before, I'd swear it ten times now ! For Ireland ! for Ireland ! Upon this drop I stand ; For Ireland, for Ireland, My own native land ! II. Thrice blacker be the face of death, Thrice brighter be the sky ! And yet, for such a cause as this, I'm well content to die ! THE REBEL'S SERMON— A STREET BALLAD. 20 I never knew what 'twas to fear, And still I do not know ; And for the wrongs that seared my heart I strove to deal a blow. You'll follow, you'll follow. The path I went before, Like brave men, to save, men, Their old island shore ! ni. I did the duty of a man ; I care for life no move ; If death will bring the cause some good. Its stroke I don't deplore. If one more throb of stern resolve It raise in any breast, If one more pulse of bitter hate 'Gainst England's robber crest — 'Tis welcome ! 'tis welcome. Eight merrily to me ; Victorious, and glorious The last hour 1 see ! IV. And now the word I'd leave behind Is Vengeance ! Vengeance ! still. O'er every plain I'd ring it out. On every lofty hill. Who cares a straw for life and limb Deserves not to be free ; Who thinks of caution or of fear Will frighten liberty. Still daring, uncaring. For all the might of man. There is no other way, my boys, To carry out your plan ! 30 SILKEN THOMAS. SILKEN THO^IAS. ■WEITTEN IN 1848, FOn THOMAS FKANCI3 MEAGHEB. HO ! speed along, my trusty men, and proud yoiir gathering be, For one who loves the dear old land stands firm in front of ye. In glowing youth, in stainless truth, he stands the foremost there, With warrior's sword and warrior's heart, prepared to do and dare. II. His white plume tosses to the wind like foam upon the sea. And his gallant palfrey bears him on with step so proud and free. He shines before our dazzled eyes a glory and a joy, Our young, brave Silken Thomas, that brave and princely boy ! m. A leader in the land he looks decked in a robe of green, The flashing gems and yellow gold beseem the royal mien ; Biit gems and gold and silken sheen before his glance are dim ; From these he borrows nought of grace, 'tis they have all from him. IV. Though proud the noble name he bears, yet more for his renown He comes, the Champion of the Eight, 'gainst coronet and crown — I ween no man e'er looked more grand than 'mid the clashing spears. And the loud, exulting welcome of those fearless mountaineers. TO THE MAGNATES OF IRELAND. 31 V. From hill, and glen, and spreading plain, such triumph never rung As greets the wild war-music poured from our young chieftain's tongue_ — " We'll follow you through life or death— we'll follow to the last— "The word ! —the word !— we want no more ; 'twill be the trum- pet's blast !" VI. The banners wave, the clarions peal ; now comes the nish and reel, The booming of the deadly gun, the glancing of the steel ; And there, within the foremost ranks, like to a shooting star. Our Silken Thomas may be seen, all glorious from afar ! TO THE MAGNATES OF IRELAND. 1. I LOVE not vengeance, men of gore, By word, or deed, or sword ; But, sooth to say, I do adore The Justice of the Lord ! And, watching now the awful doom Fast gathering o'er your path, I shudder, but I do not mourn The fearful "day of wrath." n. I do not mourn your crumbling walls. Your lost ancestral fame, The loathing or the scorn that falls Upon your guilt and shame. 83 TO THE MAGNATES OF IRELAND. For years on years the web you wrought That now, to-day, you wear — The clinging robe ^^'ith poison fraught, And torture, and despair. in. There is no mercy — none, oh, none ! How many a voice in vain Hath prayed to ye, in seraph tone, That nevermore will deign ! There is an hour that surely comes To stiff-necked, ceaseless crime, When Hell's breath withers Mercy — Love, And reigns alone, sublime. r7. That hour is come ! Ye stand arraigned Before the listening world — Before that God, at whose command Ye have defiance hurled : For stony heai-ts, for robber hands, ?or tears and gi-oans and blood. And all the horde of stinging sins That made this land their food. In vain swelled out the teeming breast Of this our golden soil ; 'Twas but for your fell power to blast- Your blackened hands to spoil. In vain the patriot's voice was heard ; Ye started at the sound, And then, slipped from the tightened leash. Ye played the baiting hound. THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. 33 Now, 'twixt two burning fires ye stand, Your victims and your lords, The wailing curses of the land, And "law's " remorseless hordes. • Yet, in that awful labyrinth What instinct still is strong ? With life's last throes, waio the close, Still clinging to the wrong ! VII. By blackened roof-tree, fireless hearth, By all that ye have crost. The word is writ on sky and earth. Your game is played — and lost ! And though I may not vengeance love, By word, or deed, or sword, Yet still I ever must adore The Justice of the Lord ! THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. GOOD men, true men, stand ye forth ! East and west, and south and north, Eaise the chorus deep and loud, "Life and limb to thee are vowed, Erin !" Royal mistress, sad and pale, Some with tears thy fate bewail ; Men have sterner work to do : They must scorn the wiristhru* — Scorn it ! *The Lament. Si CHANT OF THE IRISH MINSTREL. Voiceless is the brave man's grief. Dark Lis vow and stern and brief, Strong liis soul to work or wait, Marching still through love or hate, Onward ! While one weapon yet remains, Strike, despite all ills or pains ; While at hand there lies one task. Seek not the future to unmask — Seek not ! Like a rainbow in the night, Hope still arches o'er the right ; From the depths the fount shall burst, Soon to slake pur weary thirst, Bi-others ! Men of Irish blood and bone ! Will ye not allegiance own To the Lady of the Green, To our true and lawful Queen ? Erin ! Yes ! they come, exulting, forth, East and west, and south and n»orth; By the blessed book and sign. Firm and faithful, they are thine, Erin! CHANT OF THE IRISH MINSTREL. I. InEAR cold voices saying that she, my Queen, is dead. And those sad chords may nevermore their tones of music shed; That I, who wildly loved her, must weep in mute despair: Ah, they know not how true love will cling, though bhght and death be there ! CHANT OF THE IRISH UINSTEEL. 36 II. I have no joy or triumpli to swell ni)'- minstrel lay, I have no hope to cheer me on the dark and lonely way ; Bnt in this feeble soul there's still a might they dream not of, While living springs are in my breast of deep, unswerving Love. m. Yes, pale one, in thy sorrow ! yes, wronged one, in thy pain ! This heart has still a beat for thee, this trembling hand a strain ; They cannot steal the golden stores the past has left to me, Or mate me shrink with broken faith, asihore machree, from thee ! IV. Oh, hear, my loved one, hear me ! 'tis no cold pulse meets your own. Its burning throb would warm to life, an' thou weri changed to stone. I'll call the color to thy cheek, the light into thine eye — I know, at least, if thou art dead, viy love can never die ! 'Twotild make the air arouiid thee warm with breath of living flame ; In life or death, or joy or woe, 'twill cling to thee the same : No, never in the gladdest hour, when thou wert proud and strong, Was deeper worship poured than now, in this low mourning song ! VI. I knelt before you long ago, when a crown was on your brow, I loved you with a fervent love — I love you firmer now ; And that which makes the ivy green around the mouldering tree, Will make my voice all tuneful still, asthore machree, for thee ! M DARE IT. DARE IT. I. THIS is the honr of strife, Dare it ! With vast results 'tis rife, Dare it ! Stand forward in the breach ; Let sturdy action preach, Nor cant presume to teach — Beware it ! II. Theory is, " All is lost " ! Dare it ! Whate'er the struggle cost, Dare it ! Submit not to a cheat ; For us there's no defeat, While true hearts round us beat — We swear it ! III. The past, with all its woe, Dare it ! The present, weak and slow. Dare it ! The future as it may — Go bolJly on your way. To win the victor's bay, And wear it 1 rv. I hear the strong man say — " Dare it ! " If thou wouldst gain the day, "Dare it! THE MURDERER. 87 " 1 -wrench from Fortune's hand " The dark and threatening brand " To serve, \vh6n I command, " Nor spare it !" V. While tyrant thrall remains, Dare it ! Despite all ills and pains, Dare it ! Sown deep by Pen and tongue Be "disaffection" strong — ■ That struggle, sad and long. Oh, bear it ! TI. By God's good help and strength, Dare it ! With all thy soul at length, Dare it ! Eecast the broken plan — Stand forward to a man, Ab though you'd just began — Oh, swear it ! THE MURDERER. ' THE day it was, and who saw the sign Of that now biirned on this brow of mine ? When I faced the wide world with a fearless eye That was open and true as the blessed sky ; And sorrow and trouble, and sin and shame Were far away from our honest name. 38 TlIE MURDERER. 'Tis a terrible hour when the i^itchy gloom Grows dark and dark as the j'awuiug tomb; When, with bursting heart and straining eye, For hope or for help you struggle and try — And yet, after all, to find, at last, That both mercy and hope are gone and past; That woe and despair, and all Life's power. Are like shadow and smoke in that fearful hour. Were we made by the hands of the living God ? Did he give us no right in our native sod ? Was all — was all for the stranger's "law," To swallow each day in its greedy maw ? Was there nought for us but a curse and a ban, To sink and to die by the will of man ? The bit from my children's lips was wrenched; The coal that lay on our hearth was quenched; And the dark and cruel hoof Trampled each stick of our humble roof. I saw the face I loved gi-ow pale, I heard around the wild death-wail. Look! look on the earth — on the heaven ! "Within I could see neither light nor right. There was fiery pain on my spinning brain, In my heart there was icy night. My veins with blood they did not swell, But with red-hot waves of the deepest hell ; Through my soul swept on a hunicane's thunder That would rend the strong oaks of the wood asunder- That would part the breast of the mighty ocean : Where, where was "right" in that dark commotion ? Where, where were God, and Kight, and Heaven ? Scatter'd, and blotted, and rent, and riven ! OUR TRUE HEN. 28 "Was I shut and boimcl in a block of stone ? Should I bnru, and writhe, and find outlet none For those frightful pangs that like serpents hiss, For a mountain weight that is felt like this! Dark was the finger that showed the way, Fearful the voice that the words did say — Neighbors ! men ! 'twas my children's blood •That bathed me up in a crimson flood. I heard her cry in the winter ditch — 'Twas the murdered poor 'gainst the robber rich. He sat one night at his plenteous table — One night when the sky was cold and sable; I lock'd ! — alone in the night I stood — He ate and drank of tny flesh and blood. There was laughter, and joy, and gladness — For me but woe and madness — And'a devil's voice in mine ear That banished all ruth or fear — OUR TRUE MEN. 1. OUK true men ! our true men ! We proudly sing them all. In felon's chain, across the main, Despite of tyrant thrall — Our true men ! our true men ! We do not fear to tell How deep within our inmost souls They and their treason dwell. ^0 OUR TRUE MEN. II. Those true men, those few men, How truthfully they strove, Unaided few, to rend in two The chains around us wove. Our true men ! our true men ! Though coward tongues defame. They'll bear through every grief and wrong A pure, undying narae. ni. The loved ones, the proved ones, They only trod the way Where " Eight," of yore, led some before, And more will guide to-day. Our true men ! our true men ! Perchance like yoTi to fail ; But others then -ssdll fill the van, And still the struggle hail ! IV. For masters ! masters ! There's not our isle within A plant so green and strong, I ween. As Disaffection' s ein. 'Twill grow on, 'twill blow on. Whatever you may do, With nurture good, of tears and blood— The food it ever knew. v. Our true men ! our true men I Oh, proudly sing them all. In traitor's chain, in wrong and pain, Or lonely wanderers all ! Our true men ! our true men ! We do not fear to tell How deep within our inmost souls They and their treason dwell. THE FELON. 41 THE FELON.* ^rpiS Ireland's rallying cry : J^ We'll raise it to the sky, With flashing sword and eye — The Felon ! 11. 'Tis loud as trumpet's call, To rouse the sleepers all, To strive — to strike — to fall ! — The Felon. III. That great voice struck the chime Of a new and wondrous time — Those deep tones rang si^blime Through the land. IV. Never combat wrong with wrong ; In truth alone be strong ! Eise boldly— and, ere long. You are free ! V. Now, in this time of woe, That Gospel truth we know. No parley with the foe Shall we hold. * John Mitchel. 43 THE FELON. VI. As summer foliage riven By the arrows of the levin, From our hearts is softness driven By that blow. VII. 'Tis the silent, brooding hour, 'Twixt the strife of Pdght with Power, Dark, lurid glances lower Everywhere. VIII. Each red-hot passion, lo ! In this its liquid flow, We mould as steel, that so We avenge ! IX. By the laws that maddening mock. By the convict-ship and dock. By that parting's bitter shock, Stand prepared ! By the all-unconquered mien. In that final moment seen. Undaunted and serene. Nerve your hearts ! zi. By his words, like sabre swing. Calm, keen, unwavering. To the winds endurance fling From this day. PROGRESS 48 XII. By the sacrifice that sealed The cloctrine he revealed, Think, now, but of the field. And of him. XIII. "For one — for two — for three !" t Ay, hundreds, thousands, see, For vengeance and for thee ! To the last I XIV. Oh, surely shall we show To that base, detested foe, That even in wrong and woe The victory was thine ! \ PROGRESS, I. 1 WAKE, awake, from visions vain, j^ Those beauteous clouds that turn to rain, From hopes that light and empty fall. Like "Winter blossoms, fruitless all — Go ! arm thyself with brand and shield, To seek, and fight, and win the field. t " Shall I not answer for one, for two, for three ?" t " And, my Lord, the victory is with me."— {Extracts from ililchel's words in the dock.) 44 PROGRESS. n. Awake ! the power is all inert With which thy soul is broadly girt ; The power thine aiiy dreams to make, No cobweb craft for child to break ; The power to win from ruin and wreck A diadem thy brow to deck. in. Not rashly, hotly, seek the way. But seize the weapons of the day ; Coolly act, and gravely feel, Keen and sure, yet cold as steel — Let it grow, that glorious hour. Like the growth of tree or flower ! IV. Hun-ying on, hurrying free, Like the river to the sea, Through the dark and rocky cave, With its deep, resistless wave ; Strong, untiring, secret, still, Be the current of thy will ! V. Underneath the sunshine's glow And the verdure's tranquil show, Swiftly dash the waters fierce. Mad to gain and sure to pierce ; Si^-iftly, darkly, on and on, Till the goal at last is won ! n. Let thy glance be calm and smooth. Let thy smile be light, in sooth ; Shining on through gloom and tears, Weariness and haggard fears, Through the Present's giddy maze, Through the Future's dreary haze. O'DONNELL OF TIPPERART. 45 Yn. Stones before the architect, The stately edifice erect — So all life's events are still To him of the determined will ; And, doubt not, it is -writ that he Who conquers not must conquered be I O'DONNELL OF TIPPERARY.* •• T)LACE me before your scarlet ranks, J[ A Ihousand men and more, And, though the chain around me clanks, I'll keep the oath I swore. Plant gun and bayonet to my teeth, And let them pierce me through ; But while a heart's within my breast I'U never speak for you ! n. ' ' Tou brought me here an honest man, You shall not make me slave — ■No eye shall ever ' traitor' scan Upon ODonnell's grave. The darkest wrong your power can do Can alter not the vow, Which says my children ne'er shall see That brand upon my brow !" ' ' — — — — — — — ■ *The peasant farmer ■who refused to bo sworn in evidence against Smith O'Brien in 1818. «6 AN EBIN. m. The true man's words are borne aloft, To shine among the stars ; We cherish them within our hearts Despite of bolts and bars. 'Mid all our sorrow and our wrongs, Our deep and burning shame, The brighter, purer for it all Appears O'Donnf.ll's name ! AN ERIN.* 1. IRELAND ! Ireland ! proud heai-ts are breaking For thee to-day, And eyes that watched for thy glad awaking Are turned away. And voices low and tearful Are heard of Hope to sing ; But the voice in our heart so fearful, Nor comfort nor hope can bring. n. O Ireland ! Ireland ! thy life is closing In the death of pain ; From thy broken heart is slowly oozing The shower of crimson rain. There thou art prostrate lying. With the age of grief grown gray ; There thou art faintly sighing The dream of the years away. ♦" An Krin," t. e., " To Erin. AN ERIN. 4T m. O Ireland ! Ireland ! it is still unriven, That clanking chain ; Yet the countless wealth that for thee was given Might ransom Cain. In vain were they gifted and brave and triithful — Our martyred host ; Thy cause is woe to the old, or youthful — All, all are lost ! rv. But another, and yet another, O'er thy cold bier Oh, pallid and lifeless mother, Are watching near ; They dream in their grief's wild madness That thou wilt awake again — They call thee with frenzied sadness. Those heart--«vrung and stricken men ! v. O Ireland ! Ireland ! dost hear them blending That piercing dole, Through the cloud- wrapt skies ascending, Like the cry of a ruined soul. They know not, blessed Mary ! 'Tis flowers o'er a corpse they fling ; They hear not the miserere The pitying angels sing, VI. O Ireland ! Ireland ! no streak of dawning Is on thy sky ; Still at our feet is the wide gulf yawning, Where treasures on treasures lie. Down through tht deep, deep darkness Victim on victim springs, But the hour of its closing, never, Or morning or midnight brings ! 48 THE PEOPLES CHIEF. THE PEOPLE'S CHIEF. COME forth, come foiih, Man of Men ! to the cry of the gathering nations; We watch on the tower, we watch on the hill, pouring our invo- cations — Our Bouls are sick of sounds and shades, that mock our bitter grief, We hurl the Dagons from their seats, and call the lawful Chief ! n. Come forth, come forth, O Man of Men ! to the frenzy of our imploring, The winged despair that no more can bear, up to the heavens soaring — Come, Faith, and Hope, and Love and Trust ! upon their centre rock The wailing Millions summon thee, amid the earthquake shock ! m. W e've kept the weary watch of years with a wild and a heart-wrung yearning. But the star of the Advent we sought in vain, calmly and purely burning : False metfors flashed across the sky, and falsely led us on ; The panting of the strife is come, the spell is o'er and gone ! IV. The etorms of enfranchised passions rise as the voice of the eagle's screaming, And we scatter now to the earth's four winds the memory of our dreaming ! THE CURSE. « The clouds but veil the lightning's bolt; Sibylline murmurs ring In hollow tones from out the depths : the Peoples seek their King ! V. Come forth, come forth, Annointed One ! nor blazon nor honors beai'ing ; No "ancient line " be thy seal or sign, the crown of Humanity wearing. Spring out, as lucent fountains spring, exulting from the ground— Arise, as Adam rose from God, with strength and knowledge crowned ! VI. The leader'of the world's wide host guiding our aspirations, Wear thou the seamless garb of Truth, sitting among the Nations ! Thy foot is on the empty forms around in shivers cast — We crush j'e with the scorn of scorn, exuvia) of the past ! vn. The future's closed gates are now on their ponderous hinges jarring, And there comes a sound, as of winds and waves, each with the other warring : And forward bends the list'ning world, as to their eager ken From out that dark and mystic land appears the Man of MtN ! s THE CURSE". [FBOM the IBISH OF CAHAIi o'BEILXT.] HE whisper'd the words in the listener's ear. And the listener's brain was on fire to hear. " She's false ! she's false ! to her bosom's core, Trust her not now aa you trusted before ! " 60 TIIE CURSE. V Wo ! oh, wo ! he is cold and wan — Are his heart-strings broke ? — is his life-breath gone ? His life is not gone ; it is strong in hate, The fiend's breath swells in his soi;l ehite. Blood, red blood, will but quench the wrong; And the wrong was quenched ere the moiTOw's sun. The tempter, then, she has heard a voice: " Thou shalt not now in thy crime rejoice ! " Go ! depart from this outward world — • ( She hears the curse till her blood is curdl'd.) ' ' Go ! for seven long yeai-s to dwell In the heart thou hast lit with the flames of Hell. •' Seven long years 'mid the hissing brood, Of snakes that there have their daily food. " And still, when that heart is cold and dead, Thou'lt live as -well in thy prison dread. ' ' With the seven dark sins in thy breast to bum. Whilst thou art lock'd in that icy um. " But though thou rage as the devils rage, 'Tis all in vain in thy rigid cage. " There in the depths of the hopeless tomb Hear the words of thy fearful doom ! " Into the heart, then, she's gone to dwell, That erst she fiU'd with the flames of Hell. And ev'n when that heart is cold and dead, She'll still live on in her prison dread. With the seven dark sins in her breast to bum, Whilst she is locked in that icy um. And she shall rage as the devils rage. But all in vain in that rigid cage. >> A CAOINE. n There iu the depths of the hopeless tomb — T\'o ! oh, wo! for that fearful doom ! Wo ! oh, wo ! through all time below, To the hand that labors the wrong to sow. "Wo ! oh, wo ! for the lying word. From the mighty wrath of the all-just Lord. A C AOI NE. [FBOM THE ntlSB.] I. GONE, gone from me, and from the earth, and from the sum- mer sky, And all the bx'ight, wild hope and love that swelled so proud and high; And all this heart had stored for thee -v^ithin its endless deep ! With me — with me, oh ! nevermore thou'lt smile, or joy, or weep ! II. There are gold nails on your coffin; there are snowy plumes above ; They pour their pomp and honors there, but I this woe and love — The hopeless woe, the longing love, that turn from earth away, And pray for refuge and a home within the silent clay ! ni. Come, wild deer of the mountain side ! come, sweet bird of the plain ! To cheer the cold and trembling heart that beats for you in vain \ Oh, come, from woe, and cold, and gloom, to her that's warm and true. And has no hope or throb for aught within this world but you !' 63 THE ARD-RIGH-S BRIDE. IV, To the sad winds I have scattered the treasures of my soul — The sorrow that no tongue could speak, nor mortal power control — And wept the weary night and day, until my heart was sore, And every germ of peace and joy was withered at its core. V. In vain, in vain, this yearning cry — this dark and deep despair ! I droop alone and trembling here, and thou art lying there. But though thy smile upon the earth I never more may see, And thou wilt never como to me — yet, I may fly to thee ! VI. I never stood within your home— I do not bear your name — Life parted us for many a day, but Death now seals my claim; In darkness, silence, and decay, and here at last alone, You're but more truly bound to me — my darling and my own! THE ARD-RIGirS BRIDE.* MY queen ! my queen ! thou art won at last, And I whisper to thee of the dreary past ; I murmur the words in my soul I kept. Through the long, long years when my darling slept ; And I call thee my love, and I call thee my bride, And I deck thy brow with a crown of pride. For thou art my own — my own ? * The '* Ard-fiigh " was the head Monarch of Eri6— Literally, Hiffh King. THE ARD-RIGirS BRIDE. n. I left my love in the days gone by, With the terrible light of despair in her eye ; Her cheek as white as the marble stone, And her voice as sad as the night-wind's moan — For her I would pour my heart's red rain, But, ah ! at her side I might not remain — With her, all my own — my own ! in. "Dream not," they said ; " thou shalt never see The hour that will bring thy love to thee ; For her hand is bound with an iron chain, And she droops and pines in her lonely pain ; The tomb for her it is opening wide Thine shall be soon but a spirit bride !" Alas ! and alas ! my own ! IV. " Lay sword and shield in thy father's hall, Let the red rust cover their brightness all ; Cast thine armor down in the blue sea- wave, And thy hopes— let them find as deep a grave ; For never, oh, never, on thee shall beam The lovely star of thy youthful dream— Never 1 ah, nevermore I" T. But my soul soared up on its wings of flame, And a voice of celestial sweetness came : It haunted my ears, my heart, my dreams — It swelled like the murmurs thousand streams, From earth and sky and sea it rung That golden peal of immortal song : It whispered my own — my own ! U THE ARD-RIGH'S BRIDE. TI. I trained my steed fpr the crimson plain, And decked my ship for the Btoriny main, And I called the old, and I called the young "With tones o'er the mountain and vale that rung. For thee ! for thee ! my star— my sun — The hope of my heart, my only one 1 — For thee — and thy cause, mine own i VII. The clouds of the winter were round my path : Pome answered in scorn and some in wrath ; Till suddenly out of the gathering gloom Gleamed banner and sword and lance and plume. And backward the clouds of the darkness rolled. And Iho morning came in its blue and gold — It dawned for my own— my own ! vni. Then Hope sprang high as the white bird's wing. And blossomed the leaves and flowers of Spring ; And the light of my heart leapt into mine eyes, And the blood to my cheek in its burning dyes, For I saw the gleam of thy silvery feet, And I heard thy voice as the harp-note sweet : Thou wert near me, my own— my own ! iz. And I won thee, I won thee, amid them all ! I drew thy hand from its iron thrall ; And I clasped thee close to my aching breast, To weep, to wonder, to dream, to rest — To wear the crown of thy queeiJiy pride. Fairest of all, the Ard-Iligh's bride : My own— at last, my own 1 OUR OLDEN TONGUE. 55 OUR OLDEN TONGUL. I. 11E0M aim traclitiou's far-off opai fomitams, ' Where clouds niiA sliadows loom. Deep in tlie silence of the tall, grey mountain's rrimeval gloom. Thy silvery .stream flows down with music boundir^— O ancient tongue I With love and tears, and liugliter softly sounding. As wild bird's liquid song I From ^vind3 and waters, in their cTioral mingling, Thy honeyed words were born; From that strong pulse through Nature's bosom tiugliu;^ , In Earth's first morn — The quivering boughs, in forests green and olden. With murmurs low, Kang out such accents, beautiful and golden. Beneath the •da^^^l's white glow, IIL Around, in miglity characters unfolded. Thy fame we yet discern; The ivied shrine, in grace and grandeur mouldec". The cromlech stern. The tall, slim tower of aspect weird and hoary, With dream and rann,* Full-crested in its lone and silent glory Fronting the naked siin. '■ Traditionary lore- 6S OUR OLDEN TONGUE. IT. Thou bring'st bright visions, bardic strains enchanting, Attuned in lordly halls; The clash of spears, the banners gaily flaunting On palace walls. "NVhite-bearded sages, warrior knights victorious — A goodly throng — In panoramic pomp of ages glorious, Before us pass along. T. O'er wide blue plains we see the red deer bounding, In flickering light and sun; And on his track, ^-ith deep-toned bay resounding, The wolf-hound dun — Old mountains dim, dark forest, rock and river. Those days are o'er ; But shades and echoes people ye for ever. And shall, till time is o'er ! TI. O tongue of all our greatness — all our sorrow — Shalt thou, then, fail and fade ? And leave the full hearts mute that ne'er can borrow From stranger aid — Fit utterance for those thoughts whose stormy clangor Swells deep within. The memories of our love, and hate, and anger, ■Which nought from us can win. vn. Not so f thou hast not stemmed the floods of ages. Nor braved a conqueror's sway. Thou hast not writ upon the world's -wide pages. To pass away. Deep, deep thy root where never human power May roach to spoil, And soon ^n wealth of vernal loaf and flower, Thou'lt deck the olden soil I FOR IRELXyS JLLT^ « F FOR IRELAND ALL jiOPk Ireland all, is tlie tlinnclpr cnll, > Fur Iifliiud and her salvation ; Each, nerve and I'aouglit to tliC'Causo bo brou^-tt In lowly oc lofty station, For Ireland all, for Ireland all, lu bok'tne,* or court or castle; For Ireland all, or you surely fall — Lady, and lord, and vassal 1 II. 'Gainst England all, 'gainst England all, Sprang from the green old mother; Ev'ry rank and .shade, be yon soon arrayed For th'il <'ud to help each other. •Gainst England all ! 'gainst England all ! Up ! up ! all you Irish races, Shall the English hoof trample down your roof, And dwell in your ancient places ? ni. Oh, for Ireland all I oh, for Ireland all ! "Whom an Irish soil has moulded; Who have drunk her breath, on the hill and heath. And are to her bosom folded. Yon from her who caught every tone and thought, And dwell in her inspiration, Won't you aid her noM- ? Won't you save her now And make her an Ii-isU nation ? * Bohane, a liut. 68 TO Mr PATRIOT BROTHERS. IV. Come, like gallant knights, for her glorious rights On the muster liLld displaying Each the hue and crest he likes- tlio best. With his own brave banners swaying ! Each the hue and crest that he likes the best. Unto the Btniggle plighted. And one and all, or to gain or fall. In the holy cause united ! TO MY PATRIOT BROTHERS, I, WHEN first we wake to that great thing, The consciousness of power, It is not 'mid the gales of spring, Nor in the summer bower. Stern the voice the truth to tell, Hugged the hand to guide : Bitter the stniggles of the soul — By woe is manhood tried. u. And well, oh, well have we been tried, And well have we endured ; The burden of the day is o'er, The triumph is secured. Thou who hast seen thy stricken land Nor felt thy heart to break, Eemember, oh, remember, thou Art living for her sake. OCR MEMORIES. HI. Thoiigh all be dark and cold around, The germs are still within Of love and hope and happiness, And thon the fruit shalt win. Though broods above the thnnder-cloud, And spreads around the snow, The smile of Heaven is still above. Its fostering care below. rv. It is the holiest effort here To triumph o'er despair ; "What angel power thou mayest acqxiire Who once that deed shalt dare. Kemember, all the seeds of might Are hid in suffering : It is the iron casket of The talismauic ring ! OUR MEMORIES. LET Tis take them to our hearts awhile, The memories of our land ; Though wrapped in woe and gloom they be, Yet still they're proud and grand. Those records old, like glowing gems Set in the gold of song, Are hoarded treasures still for us. Through years of scorn and wrong. ta OUR MEMORIES. II. There are thousand themes of Ireland's soil For Irish tongues to tell, With paling checks, and flashing eyes, And hearts that wildly swell. Nor minstrel harp, nor poet pen Had e'er a nobler field Than thy old name, lerne dear. Since far back time can yield ! ni. Heaven bless ye, great and good of yore, For nil that ye have left ! "Wc cling unto those lessons now, "Wlien of all else bereft. We heed them well, we heed them well, In all their strength and light. To teach us how to bear ourselves, And fight the glorious fight. rv. Oh, praise to Brian's kingly namo Through all the years gone by, That lights with steady radiance Our dark, tempestuous sk}' ! And all the warrior chiefs of old That noblj' strove and fought — We feci that though we may be slaves. It is not wc that ought ! Yes, precious are the memories Ye left, our fearless sires : Do they not burn within the land Like consecrated fires ? OCR MEMORIES. M Bright beacons still remain for us, Untired to journey by — Not lit upon the lonely earth, But shining in the skj'. VI. Say, -what shall be the memories That \re will leave to giiido Our children ? Shall their heritage Bo infamy or pride ? What are the thoughts that shall ariso As agos piiss away ? When, lingering on their fathers' name, Oh, will they curse or pray ? TII. Shall they, enwrapped in Freedom's light, Be nilers of the land. With fearless arm protecting all The rights that wo had planned ? Or, shall they, ci-ushed by deep disgrace. Be taunted and dL-lied, As of a faint and braggart race Who flourished, shrunk, and — lied ? VIII. Shall nations point to them and say' " Their sires were Helots born ? They vowed to break the stranger's chain. And yet they were forsworn. The good, the great, were in their ranks. And yet they slunk awaj% And serfs and slaves iipon the soil Their chiltlren are to-day !" ea O'BRIEN. O'BRIEN. VTOT pronclcst, not highest, of them the true-hearted, j\( Because of the name round which glory is set ; Not worshipped and wept for, that heroes departed May see in thy veins how their blood courses yet ; No ! not for the rank of the stately Patrician AVert thou crowned and enthroned as our hope and our trust > But that quick at the wail of a suffering nation, That rank and its mockeries thou'st dashed in the dust ! n. And forth from the class of the foe and the wronger Didst come to the side of the weak and the few, To raise thy right hand 'gainst the league of the stronger— The Tribune, the Soldier, the Patriot true. Everj' false social chain gallantly riving, Right onward the nohle unbendingly trod, To stand as a man, for humanity striving. Before the high altar of Freedom and God. m. For this art thou honored, with honor unfading— For this art thou mourned, silent, sternly and deep — For this do we strive 'neath our thoughts' sombre shading To raise up the soul that will struggle, not weep. And some will reprove thee; yes, weakly ungrateful, They test by the cold head thy grand kingly heart, Whose proud throb repelling their " leniency " hateful, Will scorn them and dare them, 'till Ufe's breath depart— •SIR CAHIB O'DOIIERTY. 63 IV. Will take not the boon of the base and the coward, Whose empire but stands as a lie and a cheat — Whose powtr, that in pride o'er the ocean hath tower'd, Now holds like assassin and bravo its seat; i'or the sword of the soldier, the gibbet and dagger — The fang of the snake for the lion's lund roar; And the threat of the vain and the impotent bragger, For scarlet-clad rapine resistless before ! SIR CAHIR O'DOHERTY. I. BY the Spanish plumed hat and the costly attire, And the dark eye that's blended of midnight and fire, And the bearing and statiire so princely and tall, Sir Cahir you'll know in the midst of them all. n. Like an oak on the land, like a ship on the sea, Like the eagle above, strong and haughty is he ; In the greenness of youth, yet he's crowned as his due, With the fear of the false and the love of the true. III. Right fiercely he swoops on their plundering hordes, Right proudly he dares them — the proud English lords; And darkly you'll trace him by many a trail, From the hills of the North, to the heart of the Pale — • IT, By red field and ruined keep and fire-shrouded hall, By the ti-amp of the charger o'er buttress and wall, By the courage that springs in the breach of despair. Like the bound of the Uon erect from his lair. Si . THE RVIXED HOME. T. O'Neill find O'Donnell, Magnire and the rest, Iliive Hheathed the sabre an;! lowered the cr< st; 0'('ahan is crushed and ^laeMahon is bound, And Magenuis slinks after the foe like his hound ; VI. But high and nutriuimed o'er valley and he i.^'ht, Soars the proud-sweeping pinion, so young in its flight — The toil and the danger are braved all alone, By the tierce-taloued falcon of old Inishowcn. * VII. And thus runs his story : he fought and he fell. Young, honori d and br.ive — so the seanachies tell; The foremost of those who have guarded the Green, "When men wrote their names with the sword and the skein, t THE RUINED HOME. THE old man stood at his cottage door. To see the home he loved once more ; But the fire was quenched, and the roof-tree broke, And the crumbling walls were black ^^•ith smoke. n. The weeds grew thick in the garden ground, The crow and the magpie hopped arr)und ; And the lew pale, scattered willow trees Shivered and moaned in the evening breeze. • Pronounce*! luisbown. t Skein, a wi-apon. THE KUIXED BOitE. 65 m. The old man leaned on his staff, and said : " I'm all alone — the rest are dead !" And lie gazed awhile with a vacant eye, For he looked far back in the time gone by. IV. He heard the langh, and he heard the song, And he saw the children round him throng ; While the yellow dog, with the curly tail, Ban, barking, the joyous group to hail. T. There he'd sat — 'twas a pleasant scene — The cow was grazing upon the green ; Within the hum of the wheel was heard. Without the chiip of the little bird. VI. He thought of thjRn, and he thought of now : There was the change — he mutter'd how " The poor man, sure, could not pay the rich, So his only home was the road and the ditch !" VII, He stood to pray at the master's gate, And the master's son rode out in state ; And he heanl the curse and he heard the scoff That bade him " Off, to the workhouse, off !" vin. They wandered first through the world vndo ; Some of them bowed their heads and died. The rest of them sought the pauper shed : •' Where are they now ?" "At rest," he said. ix. And the old man had come to his cottage door, To look on the home he loved once more. Then I heard him pray. What asked he there ? — A broken heail has but one prayer ! 68 A SCEye FOB IRELAND. A SCENE FOR IRELAND, I. IT was a wild and rainy day, The last of dark December's — A ragged " pauper," drooping, lay Above the dying embers : The drops fell from the rotting roof, Marking the hours so dreary, The hungry children stood aloof, Pallid, and cold, and weary. Sad was the wTetched mother's brow. Her baby's wailings hushing : She has no food to give it now Save those h am I now at my darling's returning ! THE LEPRECHAVN. W THE LEPRECHAUN.* OH, the lonely, qiiiet glen, Where the hazel trees are green, And, among the bushes hiding, The humble stream is gUding, Murmuring as in reverie. The long, long day, so tranquilly. n. Where the blackberries droop low. Whore gleams the glossy sloe, And nuts are clustering brown On thick branches, drooping down; And, sometimes, soft and clear is heard The music of the sweet blackbird. III. There, when the sun is low, A tapping noise doth come and go; 'Tis the Leprechaun at his last, At which he raps away so fast. He wears a cocked hat on his head, And. a tiny coat of scarlet red, rv. Oft so quickly and so keen. Bright his glance around is seen; And if a mortal he espies. Quick as lightning then he flies, And naught of him can you then trace Within that lonely, sileut place. % * The Irish Fairy Shoemaker. W TIP PER ART. T. Oh, coukl j'oii steal upon, And catch fast the Leprechaun, You might win the gold so rare, Stores of which he's hid somewhere. When the tap! tap! tap! you hear, Steal quietly and slowly near. VI. Some soft balmy evening, when The sun is sinking in the glen. As the fairy workman plies. Quickly spring and seize the prize. And ask him then the spot to show "Where bright the hidden treasures glow. vn. Look not round, or then is gone From your grasp the Leprechaun ; And his mocking laugh you'll hear Ringing 'round so strange and clear. Oh, keep your hand and eye upon The little, wily Leprechaun! TIPPERARY. # I. WERE you ever in sweet Tipperary, where the fields are bo sunny and green, And the heath-brown Slieve Bloom and the Galtccs look down with so proud a mien ? Oh, 'tis there you would see more beauty than is on all Irish ground: God bless you, my sweet Tipperary, for where could your match be found ? TIP PER ART, 73 II. They say that your hand is fearful, that darkness is in your eye; But I'll not let them dai-e to utter so bitter and "black a lie. Oh, no, viacushla sthoirin, bright, bri^'ht and warm are you, ^With hcait as bold as the men of old, to yourselves and your country true 1 HI. And when there is gloom upon you, bid them think who has brought it there; Sure, a frown or a word of hatred were not made for your face so fair. You've a hand for the grasp of friendship, another to make them quake. And they're welcome to whichsoever it pleases them most to take. IV. Shidl our homes, like the huts of Connaught, be crumbled before OTU" eyes ? Shall we fly, like a flock of wild geese, from all that we love and prize ? No; by those who were here before us:! no chtirl shall oui tyrant be — Our land it is theirs by plunder, but, by Brigid ! ourselves are free ! V. We ne'er can forget the greatness did once to our isle belong ; No traitor or craven spirit was ever our race among. And no frown or no word of hatred we give— but to pay them back : In evil we only follow our enemy's darksome -track J XI. Oh, come for awhile among us, and, give us the friendly hand. And you'U see that old Tipperary is a loving and gladsome land From Upper to Lower Ormond bright welcomes and smUes will spring : On the plains of Tipperary the stranger is like a kingi W LOUGB-A-SEOLA. LOUGII-A-SEOLA.* ^rpiS a beantiful spot -where the bilberries grow, -¥ J[ Down by the caku lake's side ; And quietly in the long rushes below The shy little waterfowl hide. There tlaggers are peeping. And sunbeams are sleeping. And white flowers wave to and fro. Oh, a beautiful spot is that silver lake side, ^Vhere the ripe, ruddy bilbenics grow 1 n. There's a wee, fairy isle resting on that bright lake. Silently musing alone ; And softly around it the blue waters break With a musical whisijer and moan. From the past, dim and hoary. Comes a shadowy glory Of legend, and story, and song ; But through all the years that have faded and flown - Smiles that green isle, stUl blooming and yoimg ! m. Once round those shores, where the evening breeze sighs, Hath the foot of the warrior prest, And banners have waved where the wild-duck now flies To her home in the sedge-covered nest. How fair the portraying Of fancy thus playing. While shines out the sun, low and mellow, Transmuting thy breast that lies softly at rest. From bright silver to gold, sweet Lough-Seola ! •Pronounced Laugh-a- Sella. liOugh-a-Seola, or lake of the " sally " or wil- low treeB, iu Bituated near Uc-adford, in tbo county of Galway, Ireland. PRINCESS DLAXMB. SI PRINCESS BLANAID.* T. FAIEY-GIFTED are my fingers as Qiey touch the trembling ■string, And strangely sweet my voice, ihey say, like heavenly bells thai ring, As in those halls of splendor her beauty 's praise I sing — The praise of Princess Blanaid, the daughter of iho king, n. If I said her face was fairer than the dawning of the day, And her cheek more fresh and glowing than the blossoms of the May, And more hthe her form and slender than the ash-bough's grace- ful play. And statelier than the bounding deer upon the mountain grey — in. If I said her eyes had stolen the summer's midnight blue, With all the glory in their depths of summer starUght too ; And like a black, black river her hau- of ebon hue. That down in mazy, rii)ioUug waves unto her white feet grew — IV. That her breath was far more balmy than the r'llloge's rich perfume, iind brighter than the rosy heath her tender virgin bjoom ; And silvery sweet her voice, and low, as birds at evening sing — 'Twould be only true of Blanaid,