Padraic Colum (1881–1972). Anthology of Irish Verse. 1922.
By Joseph Plunkett134. This Heritage to the Race of Kings
T
Their children and their children’s seed
Have wrought their prophecies in deed
Of terrible and splendid things.
In old immortal tragedies,
These have not failed beneath the skies,
Their children’s heads refuse the yoke.
That holds their father’s funeral urn,
Still shall their hearts volcanic burn
With anger of the sons of God.
The entail of their blood and tears,
No shameful price for peaceful years
Shall ever part this heritage.