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152
THE IRISH SHAMROCK IN SOUTH AFRICA
For they lie asleep in a land of strangers,—
Far from the home their fame endears—
The Inniskillings, the Connaught Rangers,
The Dublin Fusiliers;
And the little plant they loved so well—
Better than fairest flower that blows—
Is set apart
In Britannia's heart
With the Scottish thistle and the rose:
Is set apart, and never again
Shall human eyes the shamrock see
Without a thought of the heroes slain
Whose splendid loyalty,
Stronger than ancient hate or wrong,
Sublimed them 'midst the battle's hell—
A tidal wave
From the souls of the brave,
That made them deathless as they fell!
