The Spirit of the Nation/When Britain first

by The Celt (Thomas Osborne Davis)

IRISH ARE NO LONGER SLAVES.

Air—"Rule Britannia."

I.

When Britain first, at hell's command,
Prepar'd to cross the Irish main,
Thus spoke a prophet in our land,
'Mid traitors' scoff, and fools' disdain,
"If Britannia, Britannia cross the waves,
Irish ever shall be slaves.

II.

And suff'ring still with slav'ry found,
Shall bruise your heart, and sere your brain—
Lost Isle! with matchless beauty crown'd
But wanting strength to break your chain;
If Britannia, Britannia cross the waves,
Irish ever shall be slaves."

III.

In vain the warning patriot spoke,
In treach'rous guise Britannia came,
Divided, bent us to her yoke,
Till Ireland rose, in Freedom's name,
And Britannia, Britannia boldly braves,
Irish are no longer slaves!