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!
A nation once again
A nation once again
And Ireland, long a province, be
A Nation once again!
And from that time, through wildest woe
That hope has shown 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 fame
Its angel voice sang round my bed
A Nation once again
A nation once again
A nation once again
And Ireland, long a province, be
A Nation once again!
It whispered too, that freedom's ark
And service high and holy
Would be profaned by feeling dark
And pa**ions 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!