"Tell me, tell me, Sean O'Farrell, tell me why you
hurry so?"
"Hush me bhuachail, hush and listen," and his face was
all aglow
"I bear orders from the captain, get you ready quick
and soon
With your pike upon your shoulder for the rising of the
moon"
"Tell me, tell me, Sean O'Farrell, where the gatherin'
is to be?"
"Near the old spot by the river, right well known to
you and me"
"One more thing, the signal token?" "Whistle up the
marching tune
For our pikes must be together by the rising of the
moon"
Out from many a mud-walled cabin, eyes were lookin'
through the
night
Many a manly heart was throbin' for the blessed morning
light
A cry arose along the river, like some banshee's
mournful croon
And a thousand pikes were flashing by the rising of the
moon
All along the shining river one black mass of men was
seen
And above them in the night wind floated our immortal
green
Death to every foe and traitor. Onward, strike the
marching tune
And hurrah me boys for freedom, it's the rising of the
moon
Well they fought for dear old Ireland, and full bitter
was their fate,
Oh what glorious pride and sorrow fills the name of
ninety-eight.
But thank God e'en now are beating hearts in mankind's
burning noon,
Who will follow in their footsteps, at the rising of
the moon.