Legacy -- Rising Of The Moon

Rising Of The Moon
(John Keegan Casey, 1846-1870)
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This poem about the 1798 Rebellion, set to the music of The Wearin' of the Green, was written by a young Dublin clerk in 1866. He and other patriots were imprisoned in Mountjoy Jail after the 1867 Fenian Uprising. He died there three years later, at the age of 24, due to injuries inflicted by prison authorities.

Oh then tell me Sean O' Farrell tell me why you hurry so
Hush-a buach-aill hush and listen and his cheeks were all aglow.
I bear orders from the captain get you ready quick and soon;
For the pikes must be together by the rising of the moon.
By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon,
For the pikes must be together by the rising of the moon.

"Oh then, tell me Sean O'Farrell, where the gathering is to be?
In the old spot by the river right well known to you and me
One word more for signal token, whistle up the marching tune,
With your pike upon your shoulder, by the rising of the moon.
By the rising of the moon, by the rising of the moon,
With your pike upon your shoulder, by the rising of the moon.

Out of many a mud wall cabin eyes were watching through the night
Many a manly heart was throbbing for the blessed warning light.
Murmurs passed along the valley, like the banshee's lonely croon
And a thousand blades were flashing at the rising of the moon.
At the rising of the moon, at the rising of the moon,
And a thousand blades were flashing at the rising of the moon.

There beside the singing river, that dark mass of men was seen
Far above the shining weapons hung their own beloved green
"Death to every foe and traitor! Forward! strike a marching tune
And hurrah, my boys, for freedom, 'tis the rising of the moon!"
'Tis the rising of the moon, 'tis the rising of the moon,
And hurrah, my boys, for freedom, 'tis the rising of the moon!"

Well they fought for dear old Ireland, and full bitter was their fate
(O, what glorious pride and sorrow fills the names of Ninety-Eight!)
Yet, thank God, there still are beating hearts in manhood's burning noon,
Who would follow in their footsteps at the rising of the moon!
At the rising of the moon, at the rising of the moon,
Who would follow in their footsteps at the rising of the moon!

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