Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. V. Browning to Rupert Brooke

Emily Lawless (1845–1913)

Fontenoy, 1745: II. After the Battle; early dawn, Clare coast

“Mary mother, shield us! Say, what men are ye,

Sweeping past so swiftly on this morning sea?”

“Without sails or rowlocks merrily we glide

Home to Corca Bascinn on the brimming tide.”

“Jesus save you, gentry! why are ye so white,

Sitting all so straight and still in this misty light?

“Nothing ails us, brother; joyous souls are we,

Sailing home together, on the morning sea.

“Cousins, friends, and kinsfolk, children of the land,

Here we come together, a merry, rousing band;

Sailing home together from the last great fight,

Home to Clare from Fontenoy, in the morning light.

“Men of Corca Bascinn, men of Clare’s Brigade,

Harken, stony hills of Clare, hear the charge we made;

See us come together, singing from the fight,

Home to Corca Bascinn, in the morning light.”