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...DEATH AND DOCTOR HORNBOOK; A TRUE STORY by ROBERT BURNS A STORM IN THE DISTANCE (AMONG THE GEORGIAN HILLS) by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE WRITTEN [OR LINES] IN A YOUNG LADY'S ALBUM by THOMAS HOOD TO HIS LYRE by FRANKLIN PIERCE ADAMS |