The Minstrel-Boy to the war is gone, <br />In the ranks of death you'll find him; <br />His father's sword he has girded on, <br />And his wild harp slung behind him. <br />"Land of song!" said the warrior-bard, <br />"Though all the world betrays thee, <br />One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard, <br />One faithful harp shall praise thee!" <br /> <br />The Minstrel fell! -- but the foeman's chain <br />Could not bring his proud soul under; <br />The harp he loved ne'er spoke again, <br />For he tore its chords asunder; <br />And said, "No chains shall sully thee, <br />Thou soul of love and bravery! <br />Thy songs were made for the pure and free, <br />They shall never sound in slavery."<br /><br />Thomas Moore<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-minstrel-boy/
