The Rising of the Moon

" O then, tell me, Shawn O'Farrell, tell me why you hurry so?"
"Hush, ma bouchal, hush and listen;" and his cheeks were all a-glow :
" I bear orders from the captain — get you ready quick and soon ;
For the pikes must be together at the risin'" of the Moon." .

" O then, tell me, Shawn O'Farrell, where the gath'rin' is to be?"
" In the old spot by the river, right well known to you and me ;
One word more — for signal token, whistle up the marchin' tune,
With your pike upon your shoulder, by the risin' of the Moon."

Oat from many a mud-wall cabin eyes were watching through that night ;
Many a manly heart was throbbing for the blessed warning light.
Murmurs passed along the valleys, like the banshee's lonely croon,
And a thousand blades were flashing at the risin' of the Moon.

There, beside the singing river, that dark mass of men was seen —
Far above the shining weapons hung their own beloved Green.
" Death to every foe and traitor ! Forward ! strike the marchin' tune,
And hurrah, my boys, for freedom ! 'tis the risin' of the Moon."

Well they fought for poor old Ireland, and full bitter was their fate ;
(O what glorious pride and sorrow fills the name of 'Ninety-Eight !)
Yet, thank God, e'en still are beating hearts in manhood's burning noon,
Who would follow in their footsteps at the risin' of the Moon !