| |
| “OH, THEN tell me, Shawn O’Farrall, | |
| Tell me why you hurry so?” | |
| “Hush, ma bouchal, hush and listen;” | |
| And his cheeks were all a-glow: | |
| “I bear orders from the Captain— | 5 |
| Get you ready quick and soon; | |
| For the pikes must be together | |
| At the Rising of the Moon.” | |
| |
| “Oh, then tell me, Shawn O’Farrall | |
| Where the gathering is to be?” | 10 |
| “In the oul’ spot by the river | |
| Right well known to you and me; | |
| One word more—for signal token | |
| Whistle up the marching tune, | |
| With your pike upon your shoulder, | 15 |
| At the Rising of the Moon.” | |
| |
| Out from many a mud-wall cabin | |
| Eyes were watching through the night: | |
| Many a manly chest was throbbing | |
| For the blessed warning light; | 20 |
| Murmurs passed along the valley | |
| Like the Banshee’s lonely croon, | |
| And a thousand blades were flashing | |
| At the Rising of the Moon. | |
| |
| There, beside the singing river, | 25 |
| That dark mass of men were seen— | |
| Far above the shining weapons | |
| Hung their own beloved green. | |
| Death to every foe and traitor! | |
| Forward! strike the marching tune, | 30 |
| And hurrah, my boys, for freedom! | |
| ’Tis the Rising of the Moon.” | |
| |
| Well they fought for poor Old Ireland, | |
| And full bitter was their fate; | |
| (Oh! what glorious pride and sorrow | 35 |
| Fill the name of Ninety-Eight!) | |
| Yet, thank God, e’en still are beating | |
| Hearts in manhood’s burning noon, | |
| Who would follow in their footsteps | |
| At the Rising of the Moon. | 40 |
| |
