KING MALACHI.
A BARD SONG.
I
'Twas a holy time when the Kings, long foemen,
Fought, side by side, to uplift the serf;
Never triumph'd in old time Greek or Roman
As Brian and Malachi at Clontarf.
There was peace in Eire for long years after
Canute in England reign'd and Sweyn;
But Eire found rest, and the freeman's laughter
Rang out the knell of the vanquished Dane.
II
Praise to the King of eighty years
Who rode round the battle-field, cross in hand!
But the blessing of Eire and grateful tears
To the King who fought under Brian's command!
A crown in heaven for the King who brake,
To staunch old discords, his royal wand:
Who spurned his throne for his People's sake,
Who served a rival and saved the land!
