Читать книгу The Blue Poetry Book - Lang Andrew, May Kendall - Страница 35

The Minstrel-boy to the war is gone,

In the ranks of death you’ll find him;

His father’s sword he has girded on,

And his wild harp slung behind him. —

‘Land of song!’ said the warrior-bard,

‘Though all the world betrays thee,

One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,

One faithful harp shall praise thee!’

The Minstrel fell! – but the foeman’s chain

Could not bring his proud soul under;

The harp he loved ne’er spoke again,

For he tore its chords asunder;

And said, ‘No chains shall sully thee,

Thou soul of love and bravery!

Thy songs were made for the brave and free,

They shall never sound in slavery!’