 | Autumn songs (1889) |  |
83
THE IRISH “PATRIOTS.”
(To Wilfrid Scawen Blunt.)
Think you these men seek truly Ireland's ease
From England's yoke;—her front exalted, free,
Amongst the nations ruled by just decree
Of King or Council? . . . Dare you hope that these,—
The things they crave to-day,—could wholly please
Such fretful spirits;—that their eyes could see
The calm that would engulf them; or, maybe,
Two sister-flags,—afloat o'er friendly seas?
Nay! for above the boasted love they bear
Their native Isle;—ay, over and above
The hate they bear the Saxon,—flowers fair,
In genial soil,—another kind of love,—
The love they bear themselves; that this may thrive
It is expedient that they strut and strive!
| Autumn songs (1889) | |