A poem of the battle of Dun An Oir, Ireland 1580 |
Upon the peninsula of strangers Where the tall strawberry trees grow The waves of time pound the shore When the winds of October blow Defiant and strong they came to call Those brave rebel sons of the Gael Gathered at the placed called Dun an Oir From the fortress they saw Grey's sail Great hope and excitement filled their souls When the papal troops joined their cause From within the fort of gold they gave to cheer "Down with England and their laws!" Heavy was the cannon storm from the ships of Grey Merciless and vengeful the shot fell like rain Two days and more the thunder of war echoed Until even the bravest could stand not the pain Unconditional were the terms of surrender But we shall not forget what happened that day Six hundred warriors, women and children too Fell to the brutal sword of Baron Arthur Grey Rebels they were and so justified the deed The Irish shore was stained crimson red The waves of eternity can never cleanse To the sea went the bodies, to the fields their head May we never for get that October day When they stood defiant upon the Irish moor Nor shall we forget their noble cause Those who died at the fortress Dun an Oir |