How Britain always has been Erin’s foe;

Till Erin dreams she feels a present grief,

And seeks in self-inflicting blows relief.

Behold! a glorious band by Heaven inspired,

By many hearts revered, by all admired;

In Erin’s sky as burning lights they shone;

Will Erin cease to claim them for her own?

Will she no more repeat her Usher’s[7] name,

Of old ascendant on the rolls of fame?

Will she her Bedell’s[8] pious memory blot,