Poetry of Kertland

William Kertland

Hail To The Oak!

When from the new-formed pregnant earth
Sprang vegetation's progeny,
The Irish oak of ancient birth
Arose the kingly forest tree.
Hail to the oak, the Irish tree,
And Irish hearts, with three times three.

Its verdue sickens where the slave
To power despotic homage gives;
But real Shillelah with the brave,
True to the soil, luxuriant lives.
Hail to the oak, the Irish tree,
And hearts of oak, with three times three.

Our Druid rites have spread its fame;
Our bards have sung the noble tree;
Our sailors gain a deathless name,
Borne on its planks to victory.
Hail to the oak, the Irish tree,
And British tars, with three times three.

Still may its circling arms extend
To guard our isles from foreign foes;
Its branching green head long defend
The Shamrock, Thistle, and the Rose.
Hail to the oak, the Irish tree,
And British hearts, with three times three.

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