Classic and Contemporary Poetry
NATIONALITY, by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS Poet's Biography First Line: A nation's voice, a nation's voice Last Line: With guardian grace, upon our isle. Subject(s): Nationalism - Ireland | ||||||||
I. A NATION'S voice, a nation's voice -- It is a solemn thing! It bids the bondage-sick rejoice -- 'Tis stronger than a king. 'Tis like the light of many stars, The sound of many waves; Which brightly look through prison-bars; And sweetly sound in caves. Yet is it noblest, godliest known, When righteous triumph swells its tone. II. A nation's flag, a nation's flag -- If wickedly unrolled, May foes in adverse battle drag Its every fold from fold. But, in the cause of Liberty, Guard it 'gainst Earth and Hell; Guard it till Death or Victory -- Look you, you guard it well! No saint or king has tomb so proud, As he whose flag becomes his shroud. III. A nation's right, a nation's right -- God gave it, and gave, too, A nation's sword, a nation's might, Danger to guard it through. 'Tis freedom from a foreign yoke, 'Tis just and equal laws, Which deal unto the humblest folk, As in a noble's cause. On nations fixed in right and truth, God would bestow eternal youth. IV. May Ireland's voice be ever heard Amid the world's applause! And never be her flag-staff stirred, But in an honest cause! May Freedom be her very breath, Be Justice ever dear; And never an ennobled death May son of Ireland fear! So the Lord God will ever smile, With guardian grace, upon our isle. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FROM THE REPUBLIC OF CONSCIENCE by SEAMUS HEANEY A SONG OF FREEDOM by ALICE MILLIGAN REGINA MENDOSENA by NATHALIA CRANE A NATION ONCE AGAIN by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS A PLEA FOR THE BOG-TROTTERS by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS A SECOND PLEA FOR THE BOG-TROTTERS by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS CELTS AND SAXONS by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS LAMENT FOR THE MILESIANS by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS O'CONNELL'S STATUE by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS CLARE'S DRAGOONS by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS FONTENOY by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS LAMENT FOR THE DEATH OF EOGHAN RUADH (OWEN ROE) O'NEIL by THOMAS OSBORNE DAVIS |
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