WitH THE STORY TELLERS

To summon to the colors

The various commands,
Who lately had assembled

To crush those rebel bands.

From a hasty reconnaisance
Made by the Ear! of Slane,
Of all McMurrough’s forces

Encamped upon the plain:
He quickly sought Lancaster,

And thus expressed his views:
“My Lord! they bring a mighty force,
And marshalled well both foot and horse;
Within those walls, behind this fosse

Is just the ground I’d choose.

For they seem getting ready
The city to besiege.”
“Tis well, replied Lancaster,
If ’tis as you allege!
An army such as I command,
Has never o’er this mountain land,

Nor through its passes poured.
I’ve seen no troops of finer mould:

Sir Perrier’s men are true as gold,
And Dartois is a leader bold,

As ever grasped a sword.
Here with the center I will fight,
Sir Jenicho commands the right,

Sir Edward holds the left;
Kilmainham’s prior leads the reserve,
Three thousand men our cause to serve,
And Butler does such rank deserve,

Or I’m of sense bereft.

 

 

But a short time they have to wait,
When passing through the city gate,
They see the glint of pikes and spears;
Close and more close the foe appears.

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