I'll speak in candour of a night in slumber My mind did wander near to Athlone To the centre station of our Irish nation, Where a congregation unto me was shown Beyond my counting upon a mountain Close to a fountain that clearly ran, The earth did tremble I'll not dissemble, As they assembled for the Rights of Man.
All clad in green there I thought I seen, A virtuous Queen that was grave and old, Saying “Children dear, oh, do not fear But come and hear what I will unfold This fertile country for seven centuries Since Strongbow's1entry into our land Has been kept under by foes outnumbered And robbed and plundered for the Rights of Man.”
Through the azure sky I then did espy, A man to fly and he to descend Straightway came down upon the ground, Where Erin round had her bosom friends, And dazzling sight that was more than The stars at night or the midday sun, Believe in Gráinne2 and Crown Britannia Ne'er shall rob you of the Rights of Man.
The population or congregation In exultation agreed to part, Shook hands like brothers then embraced each other, Whilst friendship smothered in each man's heart. We separated, all animated, And elevated at what went on As dawn was breaking poor Shiel's3 awaking Crying “Still be true to the Rights of Man.”
1. Strongbow is the nickname of Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (1130-1176), who led the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland 2. Gráinne Mhaol, anglicized Grace O'Malley, a legendary Irish pirate from the 16th century 3. Richard Shiel, see CommentsTeksty umieszczone na naszej stronie są własnością wytwórni, wykonawców, osób mających do nich prawa.
