The minstrel boy (William Rhys-Herbert)

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• (Posted 2024-01-26)  CPDL #78904:     

Editor: David Anderson (submitted 2024-01-26).   Score information: Letter, 4 pages, 250 kB   Copyright: Personal

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: The minstrel boy
Composer: Anonymous (Traditional)
Arranger: William Rhys-Herbert
Lyricist: Thomas Moore
Number of voices: 4vv   Voicing: SATB
Genre: Secular, Partsong, Folksong

Language: English
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1904 J. Fischer & Bro.
Description: AIR: THE MOREEN

Original text and translations

English text

The Minstrel-boy to the war is gone,
   In the ranks of death you’ll find him;
His father’s sword he has girded on,
   And his wild harp slung behind him—
“Land of song!” said the warrior-bard,
   “Though all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
   One faithful harp shall praise thee!”

The Minstrel fell!—but the foeman’s chain
   Could not bring his proud soul under;
The harp he loved ne’er spoke again,
   For he tore its cords asunder;
And said, “No chains shall sully thee,
   Thou soul of love and bravery!
Thy songs were made for the brave and free,
   They shall never sound in slavery!”