Classic Poem

I.

Have you hearkened the eagle scream over the sea?
Have you hearkened the breaker beat under your lee?
A something between the wild waves, in their play,
And the kingly bird's scream, is The Irish Hurrah.

II.

How it rings on the rampart when Saxons assail —
How it leaps on the level, and crosses the vale,
Till the talk of the cataract faints on its way,
And the echo's voice cracks with The Irish Hurrah.

III.

How it sweeps o'er the mountain when hounds are on scent,
How it presses the billows when rigging is rent,
Till the enemy's broadside sinks low in dismay,
As our boarders go in with The Irish Hurrah.

IV.

Oh! there's hope in the trumpet and glee in the fife,
But never such music broke into a strife,
As when at its bursting the war-clouds give way,
And there's cold steel along with The Irish Hurrah.

V.

What joy for a death-bed, your banner above,
And round you the pressure of patriot love,
As you're lifted to gaze on the breaking array
Of the Saxon reserve at The Irish Hurrah.