The Spirit of the Nation/The Death of Sarsfield

1632182The Spirit of the Nation — The Death of SarsfieldThe Celt (Thomas Osborne Davis)

THE DEATH OF SARSFIELD.

[Sarsfield was killed at the Battle of Landen, in the Low Countries, on the 29th July, 1693. In that Battle William III. was beaten by Marshal Luxembourg, with heavy loss on both sides.]

Sarsfield has sailed from Limerick town—
He held it long for country and crown;
And ere he yielded the Saxon swore
To spoil our homes and our shrines no more.


Sarsfield and all his chivalry
Are fighting for France in the Low Country—
At his fiery charge the Saxons reel;
They learnt at Limerick to dread the steel.


Sarsfield is dying on Landen's plain,
His corslet hath met the ball in vain—
As his life-blood gushes into his hand,
He says, "Oh! that this was for fatherland!"


Sarsfield is dead, yet no tears shed we—
He died in the arms of victory,
And his dying words shall edge the brand,
When we chase the foe from our native land.