The Victory of The Boyne

(Air “The Standard Bearer”)

High hearts were gather’d to a mortal fight,
Upon the banks of Erin’s famous river;
One army battling only for the right,
The other to bind chains on us for ever
Chains that our fathers nobly scorn’d to wear,
And so they cross’d the Boyne, Great William leading
Soon was King James o’erwhelmed with despair,
And William on to victory proceeding.

Then flow’d the river calmly as before,
Tho’ deeply crimson’d with the recent slaughter;
And none but slaves or tyrants could deplore,
That glorious William crossed the Boyne Water;
For there the kingly chief and warrior strove,
To shield our fathers from a yoke oppressing,
And save for them all that their hearts could love,
The rights and liberties we’re now possessing.

It was a victory which placed the throne;
Beyond the reach of tyrants or pretenders;
Bright were the laurels on their brows which shone,
Who were in this great strife the faith’s defenders;
Who, wishing to their fellow-men no ill,
Still freedom lov’d, and earnestly they sought her;
Duty’s high task they all dar’d to fulfil,
And won, like heroes, at the Boyne Water.

And since that battle crush’d the Popish sway,
Brought glory, peace, and freedom to the nation,
We will, no matter what pale bigots say,
Still hold the day in glad commemoration.
Here’s to the memory of the Orange Prince!
The ‘Prentice Boys who Derry’s Walls defended;
And all the good, and tried, and brave men since,
Who for the faith and freedom have contended!