Battle of Fontenoy |
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our camp-fires rose a murmur
At the dawning of the day, And the tread of many footsteps Spoke the advent of the fray; And as we took our places, Few and stern were our words, While some were tightening horse-girths, And some were girding swords. The trumpet-blast has sounded Our footmen to array-- The willing steed has bounded, Impatient for the fray-- The green flag is unfolded, While rose the cry of joy-- "Heaven speed dear Ireland's banner To-day at Fontenoy!" We looked upon that banner, And the memory arose Of our homes and perish'd kindred Where the Lee or Shannon flows; We look'd upon that banner, And we swore to God on high, To conquer or to die. Loud swells the charging trumpet-- 'Tis a voice from our own land-- God of battles! God of vengeance! Guide to-day the patriot's brand; There are stains to wash away, There are memories to destroy, In the best blood of the Briton To-day at Fontenoy. Plunge deep the fiery rowels In a thousand reeking flanks-- Down, chivalry of Ireland, Down on the British ranks! Now shall their serried columns Beneath our sabres reel-- Through the ranks, then, with the war-horse-- Through their bosoms with the steel. With one shout for good King Louis, And the fair land of the vine, Like the wrathful Alpine tempest, We swept upon their line-- Then rang along the battle-field Triumphant our hurrah, And we smote them down, still cheering, "Erin, shanthagal go bragh." As prized as is the blessing From an aged father's lip-- As welcome as the haven To the tempest-driven ship-- As dear as to the lover The smile of gentle maid-- Is this day of long-sought vengeance To the swords of the Brigade. See their shatter'd forces flying, A broken, routed line-- See, England, what brave laurels For your brow to-day we twine. Oh, thrice bless'd the hour that witness'd From the chivalry of Erin And France's "fleur de lis." As we lay beside our camp-fires, When the sun had pass'd away, And thought upon our brethren We prayed to God to grant us, And then we'd die with joy, One day upon our own dear land |