Does any man dream that a Gael can fear? Of a thousand deeds let him learn but one! The Shannon swept onward broad and clear, Between the leaguers and broad Athlone. "Break down the bridge!"--Six warriors rushed Through the storm of shot and the storm of shell; With late but certain victory flushed, The grim Dutch gunners eyed them well. They wrench'd at the planks 'mid a hail of fire: They fell in death, their work half done: The bridge stood fast; and nigh and nigher The foe swarmed darkly, densely on. "O, who for Erin will strike a stroke? Who hurl yon planks where the waters roar?" Six warriors forth from their comrades broke, And flung them upon that brige once more. Again at the rocking planks they dashed; And four dropped dead; and two remained: The huge beams groaned and the arch down-crashed; Two stalwart swimmers the margin gained. St. Ruth in his stirrups stood up, and cried, "I have seen no deed like that in France!" With a toss of his head, Sarsfield replied, "They had luck, the dogs! 'Twas a merry chance!" O many a year upon Shannon's side They sang upon moor and they sang upon heath Of the twain that breasted that raging tide, And the ten that shook bloody hands with Death! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOR LAUREL AND HARDY ON MY WORKROOM WALL by DAVID WAGONER THE NIGHTINGALE; A CONVERSATION POEM by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE LINCOLN HOME by ZELLA ACKERMAN THE MESSIAH by MABEL WARREN ARNOLD PSALM 20. EXAUDIAT TE DEUS by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE THOMAS A KEMPIS: DE IMITATIONE CHRISTI by RICHARD ROGERS BOWKER |