 | Ballads of Irish chivalry |  |
THE ENSIGN AND HIS BANNER.
A BRIGADE SONG.
I
They said I was too young to seekFor fame or martial glory;
They said I was too slight and weak
To brave the battle gory;
177
A soldier's mien and manner,
And borne thro' many a storm of shot
My conquering Irish banner.
II
The bloody breach of strong Namur,It was the first I mounted,
And many a comrade's corse be sure
Within that breach we counted;
There placed we high the Fleur de lys,
And Bill, th'old Dutch trepanner,
As fast he fled, looked back on thee,
Far higher still, my banner!
III
And since that mighty day of death,With honour still I've borne it:
It waved in many a battle's breath,
And many a shot has torn it:
It saw on Steinkirk's fiery plain
Brave Sarsfield beat the planner
Of all our woe, Dutch Bill, again,
My glorious Irish banner.
IV
I had a sweetheart in IrelandBefore I crossed the water:
My comrades say some Saxon band
Has drenched her home in slaughter;
Ah! cold she sleeps—God rest her soul!—
Beside the Banks of Anner,
And now I've nought, as seasons roll,
To love, but my green banner!
178
V
And now where'er my banner wave,I'll think on that sad river,
Where lies my true love's gory grave,
And fight for vengeance ever;—
With Ireland's woes in memory,
Some brave revenge I'll plan her,
And when I fall, my shroud shall be
My glorious Irish banner!
| Ballads of Irish chivalry | |