David Kincaid The Harp Of Old Erin And Banner Of Stars
The war trump has sounded, our rights are in danger:
Shall the brave sons of Erin be deaf to the call
When freedom demands of both native and stranger
Their aid lest the greatest of nations should fall?
Shall this banner so dear to the exiled of the Gael
By traitors and rebels, in anarchy's school
Be trailed in the dust, disgraced in the vale
While our people, the sov'reign, in equity rule?
No - I swear by the love that we bear our old sire-land
And the vows we have pledged to the home of the free
As we'd sheath our swords in the foes of dear Ireland
We'll use them as freely ‘gainst traitors to thee:
Need we fear for our cause when true hearts uphold it?
See the men of all nations now march to the wars:
And should Erin's stout hearts stand by and behold it
Nor strike in their might for the Banner of Stars?
No, no, with their life's blood they'll guard the rich treasure;
See how they respond to the call “shoulder arms”
Though endeared by their sacred ties, with love beyond measure
Of bosom-friends, children and beauty's sweet charms
Yet, they leave all behind, and equip for the battle
Between freedom and rapine, like true sons of Mars
They'll conquer through traitors their cannon may rattle
And bring back triumphant the Banner of Stars
Oh long may our flags wave in union together
And the harp of green Erin still kiss the same breeze
And brave ev'ry storm, that beclouds the fair weather
Till our harp, like the Stars, floats o'er rivers and seas
God-prosper manly soul heart, on both land and ocean
That goes in defiance of danger and scars
And send them safe home, to their wives and their sweethearts
With the harp of old Erin and Banner of Stars