These are the colors that fly from the Castle staffs this day.
On the 21st of July beneath a burning sun,
McDowell met the Southern troops in battle at Bull Run.
Above the Union vanguard was proudly dancing seen,
Beside the starry banner, old Erin's flag of green!
Colonel Corcoran led the 69th on that eventful day.
I wish the Prince of Wales were there to see him in the fray!
His charge upon the batteries was a most glorious scene.
With gallant New York firemen and the boys that wear the green
In the hottest of the fire there rode along the line,
A captain of the Zouave band, crying "Now, boys, is your time!"
Ah, who is he so proudly rides with bold and dauntless mien?
'Tis Thomas Francis Meagher of Erin's isle of green.
The colors of the 69th, I say it without shame,
Were taken in the struggle to swell the victor's fame!
But Farnham's dashing Zouaves, that run with the machine
Retook them in a moment with the boys that wore the green.
Being overpowered by numbers our troops were forced to flee,
The Southern Black Horse Cavalry on them charged furiously!
But in that hour of peril the flying mass to screen,
Stood the gallant New York firemen with the boys that wore the green!
Oh, the boys of the 69th, they are a gallant band.
Bolder never drew a sword for their adopted land!
Amongst the fallen heroes a braver had not been
Than you, lamented Haggerty of Erin's isle of green!
Farewell, my gallant countrymen who fell that fatal day.
Farewell, ye noble firemen, now mould'ring in the clay.
While blooms the leafy shamrock, whilst runs the old machine
Your deeds will live bold Red Shirts and boys that wore the green!
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