The+Minstrel+Boy

__The Minstrel Boy__
//The minstrel boy to the war has gone,// //In the ranks of death you'll find him;// //His father's sword he hath girded on,// //And his wild harp slung behind him;// //"Land of Song!" cried the warrior bard,// //"Tho' all the world betrays thee,// //One sword, at least, thy right 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 lov'd ne'er spoke again//, //For he tore its chords asunder;// //And said "No chains shall sully thee,// //Thou soul of love and brav'ry!// //Thy songs were made for the pure and free// //They shall never sound in slavery!//

//The minstrel boy will return one day,// //When we hear the news, we will cheer it.// //The minstrel boy will return we pray,// //Torn in body, perhaps, but not in spirit.// //Then may he play his harp in peace,// //In a world such as Heaven intended,// //For every quarrel of Man must cease,// //And every battle shall be ended.//