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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WAR SONG OF O'DRISCOL by GERALD JOSEPH GRIFFIN

First Line: FROM THE SHIELING THAT STANDS BY THE LONE

From the shieling that stands by the lone mountain river,
Hurry, hurry down, with the axe and the quiver;
From the deep-seated coom, from the storm-beaten highland,
Hurry, hurry down to the shores of your island.
Hurry down, hurry down Hurry down, &c.


Galloglach and Kern, hurry down to the sea- -
There the hungry raven's beak is gaping for a prey.
Farrah! to the onset! Farrah! to the shore!
Feast him with the pirate's ilesh, the bird of gloom and gore
Hurry down, hurry down Hurry down, &c.


Hurry, for the slaves of Bel are mustering to meet ye;
Hurry by the beaten cliff, the Nordman longs to greet ye;
Hurry from the mountain! hurry, hurry from the plain
Welcome him, and never let him leave our land again!
Hurry down, hurry down Hurry down, &c.


On the land a sulky wolf, and in the sea a shark,
Hew the ruffian spoiler down, and burn his gory bark
Slayer of the unresisting! ravager profane!
Leave the white sea-tyrant's limbs to moulder on the plain.
Hurry down, hurry down Hurry down, &c.




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