 | Ballads of Irish chivalry |  |
250
O'SULLIVAN'S FLIGHT.
A.D. 1603.
I.
Glengariff's shore could give no moreThe shelter strong we needed,
So away we trode on our wintry road,
Its dangers all unheeded.
We'll shout hurra! for valour's sway,
Each trembling coward scorning,
For cleaving brands in dauntless hands,
And all for freedom's morning!
II.
The snows were deep, the paths were steep,But worse than these soon found us—
The ruffian swords, and the traitor hordes
That flocked like wolves around us!
We'll shout hurra! etc.
III.
By Blarney's towers, Mac Caurha's powersOur good swords turned their backs on;
And Mallow's flood we stained with blood
Of Barry, Rupe, and Saxon!
Then shout hurra! etc.
IV.
By Gailty's hill around us stillRushed many a fierce marauder;
Yet our path we clave to Shannon's wave,
And all by the good lamh laider.
Then shout hurra! etc.
251
V.
Mac Eggan's wrath there barred our path,But we gave him warning early
To clear the way, or his bands we'd slay,
And we kept our promise fairly!
Then shout hurra! etc.
VI.
Each killed his steed in that hour of need,After false Mac Eggan's slaughter,
Corachs unstaid of their skins we made,
And crossed the Shannon's water!
Then shout hurra! etc.
VII.
O'Sullivan was the dauntless man,When the foe by Aughrim found us,
Black Malby's head on the sward he laid,
And we slew all around us!
Then shout hurra! etc.
VIII.
Alas! how few of our brave and trueReached Ullad's mountains hoary!
But none should weep for the brave who sleep
On that path so rough and gory!
But shout hurra! for valour's sway,
Each trembling coward scorning,
For cleaving brands in dauntless hands,
And all for freedom's morning!
| Ballads of Irish chivalry | |