War Song. Remember The Glories Of Brien The Brave.[1]

Author: Thomas Moore

    Remember the glories of Brien the brave,
        Tho' the days of the hero are o'er;
    Tho' lost to Mononia and cold in the grave,[2]
        He returns to Kinkora no more.[3]
    That star of the field, which so often hath poured
        Its beam on the battle, is set;
    But enough of its glory remains on each sword,
        To light us to victory yet.

    Mononia! when Nature embellished the tint
        Of thy fields, and thy mountains so fair,
    Did she ever intend that a tyrant should print
        The footstep of slavery there?
    No! Freedom, whose smile we shall never resign,
        Go, tell our invaders, the Danes,
    That 'tis sweeter to bleed for an age at thy shrine,
        Than to sleep but a moment in chains.

    Forget not our wounded companions, who stood[4]
        In the day of distress by our side;
    While the moss of the valley grew red with their blood,
        They stirred not, but conquered and died.
    That sun which now blesses our arms with his light,
        Saw them fall upon Ossory's plain;--
    Oh! let him not blush, when he leaves us to-night,
        To find that they fell there in vain.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem encapsulates themes of valor, patriotism, and the bittersweet nature of sacrifice in the face of oppression. Its language speaks to a nostalgic reverence of a fallen hero, Brien, whose past glory inspires hope for future victories. The tone is both mournful and defiant, reflecting the sorrow over the loss of the hero and the determination to resist the 'tyrant' and 'invaders'.

The structure is consistent, with each stanza presenting a specific aspect of the overarching themes. The first stanza reminisces the hero’s bravery, the second appeals to the natural beauty of Mononia as a symbol of freedom yet to be reclaimed, and the third pays homage to the fallen comrades. The repeated rhetorical questions intensify the emotional appeal and the defiance against oppression.

The poem is rich in metaphors and imagery. The 'star of the field' and 'glory remains on each sword' vividly symbolize the enduring influence of the fallen hero. The 'footstep of slavery' metaphorically suggests the oppressive rule of the invaders, while the 'moss of the valley grew red with their blood' paints a poignant picture of sacrifice. These devices, along with the personification of 'Freedom' and the 'sun', add to the emotive power and depth of the poem. The poem thus offers a stirring portrayal of heroism, resistance, and the yearning for freedom.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.