In sight of Munster’s bands—Mac-Nee’s

Such blow the blood of Conn, I trow,

Could ill have borne.

If on the day of Ballach-boy

Some arm had laid, by foul surprise,

The chieftain low,

Even our victorious shout of joy

Would soon give place to rueful cries

And groans of woe!

If on the day the Saxon host