The Minstrel Boy --Thomas More
The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
in the rank 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 sail under
The Harp he loved ne'er spoke again
for he tore it's chords a-sunder
And said 'No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and bravery.
Thy songs were made for the pure and the free,
They shall never sound in slavery'
Beautiful! Thank you so much for this very fitting contribution to this thread today.
The Minstrel Boy --Thomas More
I think you'll find a version in "The Rough Riders" too, as it was used by the 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry also. A midi of the tune can be found Here