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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AFTER THE BATTLE (OF AUGHRIM) by THOMAS MOORE

Poem Explanation

First Line: NIGHT CLOSED AROUND THE CONQUEROR'S WAY
Last Line: OH! WHO WOULD LIVE A SLAVE IN THIS?
Subject(s): WAR;
Night closed around the conqueror's way,
And lightnings showed the distant hill,
Where those who lost that dreadful day
Stood few and faint but fearless still!
The soldier's hope, the patriot's zeal,
For ever dimmed, for ever crossed--
Oh! who shall say what heroes feel,
When all but life and honour's lost.

The last sad hour of Freedom's dream
And valour's task moved slowly by,
While mute they watched till morning's beam
Should rise and give them light to die.
There's yet a world where souls are free,
Where tyrants taint not nature's bliss;
If death that world's bright opening be:
Oh! who would live a slave in this?



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