A Nation Once Again

When boyhood's fire was in my blood
 I read of ancient freemen,
 For Greece and Rome who bravely stood,
 Three hundred men and three men;
 And then I prayed I yet might see
 Our fetters rent in twain,
 And Ireland. long a province, be
 A Nation Once Again!
 Chorus:
 A Nation Once Again,
 A Nation Once Again,
 And Ireland, long a province, be
 A Nation Once Again!
 And from that time, through wildest woe,
 That hope has shown a far light,
 Nor could love's brightest summer glow
 Outshine that solemn starlight;
 It seemed to watch above my head
 In forum, field and fame,
 Its angel voice sang round my bed,
 A Nation Once Again.
 Chorus.
 It whisper'd too, that freedom's ark,
 And service high and holy,
 Would be profaned by feeling dark
 And passions vain or lowly;
 For, Freedom comes from God's right hand,
 And needs a godly train;
 And righteous men must make our land
 A Nation Once Again!
 Chorus.