Tipperary

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I.

Let Britain boast her British hosts,
  About them all right little care we;
Not British seas nor British coasts
  Can match the Man of Tipperary!


II.

Tall is his form, his heart is warm,
  His spirit light as any fairy--
His wrath is fearful as the storm
  That sweeps the Hills of Tipperary!


III.

Lead him to fight for native land,
  His is no courage cold and wary;
The troops live not on earth would stand
  The headlong charge of Tipperary!


IV.

Yet meet him in his cabin rude,
  Or dancing with his dark-haired Mary,
You'd swear they knew no other mood
  But Mirth and Love in Tipperary!


V.

You're free to share his scanty meal,
  His plighted word he'll never vary--
In vain they tried with gold and steel
  To shake the Faith of Tipperary!


VI.

Soft is his _cailin's_ sunny eye,
  Her mien is mild, her step is airy,
Her heart is fond, her soul is high--
  Oh! she's the Pride of Tipperary!


VII.

Let Britain brag her motley rag;
  We'll lift the Green more proud and airy--
Be mine the lot to bear that flag,
  And head the Men of Tipperary!


VIII.

Though Britain boasts her British hosts,
  About them all right little care we--
Give us, to guard our native coasts,
  The matchless Men of Tipperary!

© Thomas Osborne Davis