The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone In the ranks of death you'll find him, His father's sword he has girded on, And his wild harp slung behind him. "Land of song!" said the warrior bard, "Tho' all the world betrays thee, One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard, One faithful harp shall praise thee." The minstrel fell! but the foeman's chain Could not bring that proud soul under; The harp he loved ne'er spoke again, For he tore its chords asunder; And said, "No chain shall sully thee, Thou soul of love and bravery. Thy songs were made for the pure and free, They shall never sound in slavery." | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DEDICATION OF THE FIRST SONNETS TO A FRIEND ... by GEORGE SANTAYANA FACADE: 24. AN OLD WOMAN LAMENTS IN SPRINGTIME by EDITH SITWELL TO IMAGINATION (2) by EMILY JANE BRONTE STANZAS by GEORGE GORDON BYRON FOR 'THE WINE OF CIRCE' (BY EDWARD BURNE JONES) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI THE ARTILLERYMAN'S VISION by WALT WHITMAN TO MISS F. B. ON ASKING FOR MRS. BARBAULD'S LOVE AND TIME by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |