The Defender’s Song
Source: The Stone Fiddle by Paddy Tunney
Location: New Edition, page 146
Good people here, pray you draw near, give ear to these few lines I write.
I fled unto a mountain, and from my home was banished quite.
It was for my religion I was forced to leave my native home
Being supposed for a Defender and a member of the Church of Rome.
These Luthers black and Calvin crew said they’d banish me from my native soil,
And leave me here to languish, to languish lonely in exile.
Such persecutions we must bear, Our Saviour suffered ten times more,
When he died on Calvary, that we might reach that heavenly shore.
He cured the lame and raised the dead, and five loaves and fishes two,
He fed five thousand faithful who flocked to hear his gospel true.
He gave himself as heavenly food and pledge of great and lasting love,
To strengthen and to guide us, triumphant to the joys above.
Our holy Church is pur and fair, and she is foudned on a Rock.
Saint Peter got the keys from Christ to nourish and to feed his flock,
Who said he will be with us until that great tremendous day,
The Holy Ghost and to guide us, how can we ever go astray!
Behold that race of Calvin seed, that wander here and wander there,
Still looking for a harbour, no wonder they’re in deep despair.
Their compass needle it is broke, their topmasts, sails and riggings tore,
Contrary winds are blowing, they’’ never reach that heavenly shore.