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 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.



Chorus.



It whisper'd too, that freedom's ark,

And service high and holy,

Would be profaned by feeling 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.