A Nation Once Again

When boyhood's fire was in my blood I read of ancient freemen, For Greece and Rome who bravely stood, Three hundred men and three men; And then I prayed I yet might see Our fetters rent in twain, And Ireland. long a province, be A Nation once again!

And from that time, through wildest woe, That hope has shown a far light, Nor could love's brightest summer glow Outshine that solemn starlight; It seemed to watch above my head In forum, field and fame, Its angel voice sang round my bed, A Nation once again.

It whisper'd too, that freedom's ark, And service high and holy, Would be profaned by feeling dark And passions vain or lowly; For, Freedom comes from God's right hand, And needs a godly train; And righteous men must make our land A Nation once again!