University of Virginia Library

A SONG OF THE BRIGADE.

River that through this purple plain
Toilest—once redder—to the main
Go, kiss for me the banks of Seine;
Tell him I loved, and love for aye,
That his I am though far away,
More his than on the marriage-day.
Tell him thy flowers for him I twine
When first the slow sad mornings shine
In thy dim glass; for he is mine.
Tell him when evening's tearful light
Bathes those dark towers on Aughrim's height
There where he fought in heart I fight.
A freeman's banner o'er him waves!
So be it! I but tend the graves
Where freemen sleep whose sons are slaves.
Tell him I nurse his noble race
Nor weep save o'er one sleeping face
Wherein those looks of his I trace.

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For him my beads I count when falls
Moonbeam or shower at intervals
Upon our burn'd and blacken'd walls:
And bless him! bless the bold Brigade—
May God go with them, horse and blade,
For Faith's defence, and Ireland's aid!