Classic Poem

There were three eagles percht on a rock:
On each lean head was a crown.
And they cast eye on a browsing flock:
Derry down, derry down, derry down.
His watch a Lion grim did keep.
But his tail gave sign he was fast asleep.
And he snored as in repletion deep:
O derry, I derry down.

The first he was double, and with a white poll.
On each lean head was a crown.
When he gorged half he had greed for the whole;
Derry down, derry down, derry down.
To listen awhile his ear did stoop;
While his wings blacken'd wide for a sudden swoop;
And he fated the Lion's choicest troop.
O derry, I derry down.

The second was double, his feathers were white.
On each lean head was a crown.
His claws were bloody; he bark'd for spite.
Derry down, derry down, derry down.
To aid the first, and claim a share;
And to keep his own, was all his care;
His feathers were white, he show'd them there.
O derry, I derry down.

Single, and silent sat the third.
On each lean head was a crown.
He was a mighty fledgling bird.
Derry down, derry down, derry down.
What he thought, they could not say,
But they knew right well he wanted prey;
While he wetted his brooding beak alway.
O derry, I derry down.

Said the First to the Second: I've plann'd my game.—
On each lean head was a crown.
Said the Second full readily: I the same.—
Derry down, derry down, derry down.
Said the First to the Second: Our brother is wise:
He worried us once; but he sniffs a prize:
And the Lion dreams us his choice allies:
O derry, I derry down.

Said the First to the Second: Such battles have been.—
On each lean head was a crown.
Twixt Lions fat and Eagles lean.
Derry down, derry down, derry down.
So we'll wait till the Lion's eyes are peckt:
And our young brother's pinions are broken & checkt:
Then we'll take what they fought for, in peace & respect.
O derry, I derry down.