Classic Poem

" Mary mother, shield us! Say, what men are ye,
Sweeping past so swiftly in this morning sea?"
" Without sails or rowlocks merrily we glide
Home to Corca Bascuin on the brimming tide."

" Jesus save you, gentry! why are ye so white,
Sitting all so straight and still in this misty light?"
" Nothing ails us, brother; joyous souls are we,
Sailing home together, on the morning sea.

" Cousins, friends, and kinsfolk, children of the land,
Here we come together, a merry, rousing band;
Sailing home together from the last great fight,
Home to Clare from Fontenoy, in the morning light.

" Men of Corca Bascuin, men of Clare's Brigade,
Harken, stony hills of Clare, hear the charge we made;
See us come together, singing from the fight,
Home to Corca Bascuin, in the morning light."