Oh! The Sight Entrancing

by Thomas Moore

Oh, the sight entrancing,
When morning's beam is glancing
O'er files arrayed
With helm and blade,
And plumes in the gay wind dancing!
When hearts are all high beating,
And the trumpet's voice repeating
That song whose breath
May lead to death,
But never to retreating!
Oh, the sight entrancing,
When morning's beam is glancing
O'er files arrayed
With helm and blade,
And plumes in the gay wind dancing!

Yet 'tis not helm or feather --
For ask yon despot whether
His plumed bands
Could bring such hands
And hearts as ours together.
Leave pomps to those who need 'em --
Adorn but Man with Freedom,
And proud he braves
The gaudiest slaves
That crawl where monarchs lead 'em.
The sword may pierce the beaver,
Stone walls in time may sever;
'Tis heart alone,
Worth steel and stone,
That keeps men free for ever!
Oh, that sight entrancing,
When morning's beam is glancing
O'er files arrayed
With helm and blade,
And in freedom's cause advancing!