264 LIFE IN IRELAND 



Fall'ring and fearful he claim'd my protection, 

 The soldiers pursue me in every direction ; 

 The red eye of death gleams in every complexion, 

 Love me, young stranger — in peace let me die. 



The child of misfortune, oh, yes, I befriended, 



None ever sued for my mercy in vain ; 

 Stranger in error, mine arm is extended, 



'Tis feeble, but yet may support thee in pain. 



I received and I shelter'd the stranger in error, 

 I guarded his steps from the bloodhounds of terror ; 

 For once on a Briton he look'd without horror, "^ 



Saying, bless thee, young stranger — in peace I may die. 



Fall'n is the cause, Revenge made me enter. 



My dear wife and daughter, oh, God, they are thine ; 



On yonder green hills no more must I venture. 

 Come death and conclude these sufferings of mine. 



They come, and death's herald — the drum rolls before them, 

 They mount the ship's sides, and in vain I implore 'em ; 

 From the hand that would shelter, alas they have tore him. 

 And a mockery of justice declares he must die. 



Welcome death's terrors, exclaim'd the proud stranger, 

 Whilst the fire of his soul flash'd in rage from his eye ; 



In battle was Carroll the foremost in danger. 

 And think ye that now he 's to learn how to die. 



They murder'd my wife, they polluted my daughter, 



The plaints of a poor dying parent still ring ; 

 .A father's remonstrance was turn'd into laughter. 



And then, — not till then, — did I turn from my King. 



I bore the Green Standard with fervent devotion, 

 I press'd to the death doing field of commotion ; 

 Though wounded I utter'd with holy devotion, 

 I bleed for my Country— Erin go Bragh. 



