A_Nation_Once_Again.mid

A Nation Once Again

Irish traditional


    When boyhood's fire was in my blood
    I read of ancient freemen,
    For Greece and Rome who bravely stood,
    Three hundred men and three men;
    And then I prayed I yet might see
    Our fetters rent in twain,
    And Ireland, long a province, be.
    A Nation once again!

Chorus:

A Nation once again,
A Nation once again,
And lreland, long a province, be
A Nation once again!

    And from that time, through wildest woe,
    That hope has shone a far light,
    Nor could love's brightest summer glow
    Outshine that solemn starlight;
    It seemed to watch above my head
    In forum, field and fane,
    Its angel voice sang round my bed,
    A Nation once again!

(Chorus)

    It whisper'd too, that freedom's ark
    And service high and holy,
    Would be profaned by feelings dark
    And passions vain or lowly;
    For, Freedom comes from God's right hand,
    And needs a Godly train;
    And righteous men must make our land
    A Nation once again!

(Chorus)

    So, as I grew from boy to man,
    I bent me to that bidding
    My spirit of each selfish plan
    And cruel passion ridding;
    For, thus I hoped some day to aid,
    Oh, can such hope be vain?
    When my dear country shall be made
    A Nation once again!

(Chorus)