Not all in vain may plead

‘The song that nerves a nation’s heart

Is in itself a deed.’

Tennyson (Charge of the Heavy Brigade).


I knew a very wise man that believed that, if a man were permitted to make all the ballads, he need not care who should make the laws of a nation.

Fletcher of Saltoun (Letter to Montrose and others).

What would the wise man have said of “It’s a long, long way to Tipperary”?


FIRST LOVE