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1839–1886

Do we weep for the heroes who died for us...

Abram Joseph Ryan

Do we weep for the heroes who died for us, Who living were true and tried for us, And dying sleep side by side for us; The Martyr-band

That hallowed our land With the blood they shed in a tide for us? Ah! fearless on many a day for us They stood in front of the fray for us,

And held the foeman at bay for us; And tears should fall Fore'er o'er all Who fell while wearing the gray for us.

How many a glorious name for us, How many a story of fame for us They left: Would it not be a blame for us If their memories part

From our land and heart, And a wrong to them, and shame for us? No, no, no, they were brave for us, And bright were the lives they gave for us;

The land they struggled to save for us Will not forget Its warriors yet Who sleep in so many a grave for us.

On many and many a plain for us Their blood poured down all in vain for us, Red, rich, and pure, like a rain for us; They bleed — we weep,

We live — they sleep, “All lost,” the only refrain for us. But their memories e'er shall remain for us, And their names, bright names, without stain for us:

The glory they won shall not wane for us, In legend and lay Our heroes in Gray Shall forever live over again for us.

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Do we weep for the heroes who died for us... · Abram Joseph Ryan · Poetry Cove