But ah! if vain the patriot's zeal,

If neither valor's force nor wisdom's light

Can break or melt that blood-cemented seal

Which shuts so close the books of Europe's right—

  What song shall then in sadness tell

    Of broken pride, of prospects shaded,

  Of buried hopes, remembered well

    Of ardor quenched, and honor faded?

  What muse shall mourn the breathless brave,

    In sweetest dirge at Memory's shrine?

  What harp shall sigh o'er Freedom's grave?

    Oh Erin, Thine!