I am a true-born Irishman, John Mitchel is my name: When first I joined
my comrades from Newry town I came; I laboured hard both day and night to free my native land For which I was transported
unto Van DiemanŽs Land.
When first I joined my countrymen it was in Ž42; And what did happen after that IŽll quickly
tell to you; I raised the standard of Repeal, I gloried in the deed; I vowed to heaven I neŽer would rest till Old Ireland
would be freed.
Farewell my gallant comrades, it grieves my heart full sore To think that I must part from you,
perhaps for evermore; The love I bear my native land, I know no other crime; This is the reason I must go into a foreign
clime.
As I lay in strong irons bound, before my trial day My loving wife came to my cell, and thus to me did say: "Oh,
John, my dear, cheer up your heart, undaunted always be, For itŽs better to die for ErinŽs rights than live in slavery."
I
was placed on board a convict ship without the least delay; For BermudaŽs Isle our course was steered: IŽll neŽer forget
the day. As I stood upon the deck to take a farewell view I shed a tear, but not for fear; my native land, for you.
Adieu!
Adieu! to sweet Belfast, and likewise Dublin too, And to my young and tender babes; alas, what will they do? But thereŽs
one request I ask of you, when your liberty you gain Remember John Mitchel far away, though a convict bound in chains.
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