| The minstrel boy to the war is gone
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| In the ranks of death you will find him
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| His father’s sword he has girded on
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| And his wild harp slung behind him
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| «Land of Song!» |
| said the warrior bard
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| «Tho' all the world betrays thee
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| One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard
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| One faithful harp shall praise thee!»
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| The Minstrel fell! |
| But the foreman’s chain
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| Could not bring that proud soul under
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| The harp he loved ne’er spoke again
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| For he tore its chords asunder
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| And said «No chains shall sully thee
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| Thou soul of love and bravery!
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| Thy songs were made for the pure and free
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| And shall never sound in slavery!» |