  Hail to our Celtic brethren wherever they may be, In the far woods of Oregon, or o'er the Atlantic sea; Whether they guard the banner of St. George, in Indian vales, Or spread beneath the nightless North experimental sails— One in name, and in fame, Are the sea-divided Gaels. Though fallen the state of Erin, and changed the Scottish land, Though small the power of Mona, though unwaked Llewellyn's band, Though Iona's ruined cloisters are swept by northern gales: One in name, and in fame, Are the sea-divided Gaels. In Northern Spain and Italy our brethren also dwell, And brave are the traditions of their fathers that they tell: The Eagle or the Crescent in the dawn of history pales Before the advancing banners of the great Rome-conquering Gaels. One in name, and in fame, Are the sea-divided Gaels. A greeting and a promise unto them all we send; Their character our charter is, their glory is our end— Their friend shall be our friend, our foe whoe'er assails The glory or the story of the sea-divided Gaels. One in name, and in fame, Are the sea-divided Gaels. Thomas D'Arcy McGee |
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