Page 247 - Demo

“Lead on!” and well, he led them,
Though the Shannon ford;ran deep,
And though the white-lipped lood ran deep, Around O’Brien’s Keep.
The sentinel on Killaloe;
Looked out, but failed to see
Five huncred silent horsemen ride
Behind the rapparee
That night by Balleneety’s towers The English gunners lay.
“King William’s Camp and safety lies But twelve short miles away.
What need of further caution? What Irish wolf would dare
To prowl around our camp to-night, So near the.lion’s lair?”
An Irish wolf is near them ` now, And Irish ears have heard
The chosen watchword for the night, And “Sarsield” was the word.
A tramp’ of -horse – ‘Who’s’ there?’” The word! “Sarsield!” the answer ran And then the sword smote downwards, “Ay, and Sarsield is the man!”
“To arms! the foe! “Too late, too late,” Though Villiers’ vengeful - blade
Is wet with Hogan’s life blood;
As he leads the ambuscade.
Then, foot to, foot, and hand , to hand., They battle round the guns,
Chapter Seven 247