BEFORE THE BATTLE.
Reading edition
By the hope within us springing, Herald of to-morrow's strife; By that sun, whose light is bringing Chains or freedom, death or life— Oh! remember life can be No charm for him, who lives not free! Like the day-star in the wave, Sinks a hero in his grave, Midst the dew-fall of a nation's tears.
Happy is he o'er whose decline The smiles of home may soothing shine And light him down the steep of years:— But oh, how blest they sink to rest, Who close their eyes on victory's breast!
O'er his watch-fire's fading embers Now the foeman's cheek turns white, When his heart that field remembers, Where we tamed his tyrant might. Never let him bind again A chain; like that we broke from then. Hark! the horn of combat calls— Ere the golden evening falls, May we pledge that horn in triumph round![1] Many a heart that now beats high, In slumber cold at night shall lie, Nor waken even at victory's sound— But oh, how blest that hero's sleep, O'er whom a wondering world shall weep!
[1] "The Irish Corna was not entirely devoted to martial purposes. In the heroic ages, our ancestors quaffed Meadh out of them, as the Danish hunters do their beverage at this day."—Walker.