To John O’Leary

Dedication of a Book of Irish Verses by various hands

Because you suffered for the Cause; Because you strove with voice and pen To serve a Law above all laws That purifies the hearts of men;

Because you failed, and grew not slack, Not sullen, not disconsolate, Nor stooped to seek a lower track, But showed your soul a match for Fate;

Because you hated all things base, And held your country’s honour high; Because you wrought in Time and Space Not heedless of Eternity;

Because you loved the nobler part Of Erinn,--so we bring you here Words such as once the Irish heart On Irish lips rejoiced to hear:

Strains that have little chance to live With those that Davis’ clarion blew, But all the best we have to give To Mother Erinn and to you.

FOOTNOTE:

“Poems and Ballads of Young Ireland, 1888.”