The Minstrel Boy

<br>The minstrel boy to the war is gone,<br><br>In the ranks of death youll find him;<br><br>His fathers sword he has girded on,<br><br>And his wild harp slung behind him.<br><br>&quot;land of song!&quot; said the warrior bard,<br><br>&quot;though all the world betrays thee,<br><br>One sword at least thy rights shall guard,<br><br>One faithful harp shall praise thee!&quot;<br><br><br><br><br><br>The minstrel fell! - but the foemans chain<br><br>Could not bring that proud soul under;<br><br>The harp he loved neer spoke again<br><br>For he tore is chords asunder;<br><br>And said &quot;no chains shall sully thee,<br><br>Thou soul of love and bravery!<br><br>Thy songs were made for the pure and free,<br><br>They shall never sound in slavery.&quot;