THE SPIRIT OF ERIN

One evening fair at the Angelus ringing, I took my way a leafy glen

There I met a maid who was sweetly singing, the song she sang was “The Fenian Men”.

Said I, “ Fair MAIDEN, EXCUSE Ill breeding, but will you tell me who you may be ?

She said “ I’m the Spirit of Irish Freedom – I sing of those who have died for me.

In the years gone by ‘twas my own betrayed me – and sold their birthright for worldly gain

To an alien crew who would fain degrade me but all their efforts have proved in vain.

Such deeds for vengeance have cried to Heaven; from wrath to come let my foeman flee

But my treacherous children I have forgiven for the sake of those whose have died for me.

The men of Limerick could tell a story of Saxon treachery and broken faith;

How the wild geese went in their youthful glory to an exile’s life and an exile’s death.

To fight for stranger’s mid war’s red dangers till kindly death set their spirits free;

And their dying breath was a prayer for Ireland Oh, glorious wild geese you died for me.

In ’98 without Chief to lead them the men of Ireland once more arose

To strike a blow in the cause of Freedom and pay a debt to their tyrant foes

Ten times outnumbered they died unfearing from Avon Dhu to the Silvery Lee;

And their blood enriched the green soil of Erin, Oh, noble patrons ye died for me.

Then 1916 saw the final rally – Thank God the struggle was not in vain.

It was Pearse who sounded the Grand Reveille and Ireland’s watch word was “Up Sinn Fein”.

The price was high but they paid it gladly They have their lived that I might be free,

As the maiden vanished, she murmured sadly; “ God rest your soul, Pearse,. ye died for me “ .