With St. Patrick's Day fast approaching, I thought I should post something appropriate. To wit: Here are lyrics to an old traditional Irish song that I think encapsulates the spirit of the Irish people. It has always struck a chord in me (pun intended) in that it harkens back to a time when people would fight tyranny tooth and nail and happily die in the process.

THE MINSTREL BOY
(Thomas Moore (1779-1852))
Air "the Moreen" Ancient Irish Air

The minstrel boy to the war is gone,
In the ranks of death you'll find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;

"Land of Song!" cried the warrior bard,
"Tho' 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 steel
Could not bring that proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;

And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free
They shall never sound in slavery!

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