School: Knockbride (2)

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1. The Troubles of 1798 - A True Story - A Grandfather's Tale

   

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   I'll tell you a simple story, boys, of the days of long ago;
   When oppression raised its venomed head and every voice was low;
   In every home a shadow fell, on every heart a weight:-
   But all of you have often heard of the troubles of ninety-eight!

   You see yon shining valley with its river large and wide -
   An undeveloped picture of plenty and pride:
   I remember well the beetling mills with the lines of streams between,
   And the rows of whitest linen in holms of richest green.

   You see yon clump of beeches in the hollow of the hill:-
   That was my home in younger days, and the place I love it still;
   And farther round the hill and still farther from the town
   Lived my early friend and comrade - my neighbour Joseph Brown.

   But we never called him 'Joseph', then, it was only simply "joe":
   And we grew together to manhood's prime; & we loved each other so:
   I was fleet as the mountain deer, & he was strong and tall,
   And bright as a morning sunbeam upon his father's wall.

   But he joined the 'United Irishmen' with a patriotic love;
   And the soldiers came to know it, and traced his every move:
   Many a time he watched them pass, from yonder hill's dark brow;-
   But how they came and were baffled, too, I'll tell you the story now.
   * * * * * *

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Thomas J. Barron

   Gender

   Male

   Occupation

   Teacher