Catholic Hymns (1860)/Faith of our Fathers (for Ireland)

For other versions of this work, see Faith of Our Fathers.
2014199Catholic Hymns — Faith of our Fathers (for Ireland)1860Frederick William Faber

Faith of our Fathers.
(For Ireland.)

Faith of our fathers! living still,
In spite of dungeon, fire, and sword;
Oh, Ireland's hearts beat high with joy
Whene'er we hear that glorious word.

Chorus.

Faith of our fathers! holy Faith!
We will be true to thee till death!

Our fathers chain'd in prisons dark,
Were still in heart and conscience free;
How sweet would be their children's fate,
If they like them could die for thee!
Faith of our Fathers, &c.

Faith of our Fathers! Mary's prayers
Shall keep our country fast to thee;
And through the truth that comes from God,
Oh, we shall prosper and be free.
Faith of our Fathers! &c.

Faith of our Fathers! we will love
Both friend and foe in all our strife;
And preach thee too as love knows how,
By kindly words and virtuous life
Faith of our Fathers! &c.

Faith of our Fathers! guile and force
To do thee bitter wrong unite;
But Erin's saints shall fight for us,
And keep undimm'd thy blessed light.
Faith of our Fathers! &c.