“The Orange Yeomanry of '98”
Description
The singer's father fought with the Orange Yeomanry in 1798. The Orange peasant and artisan imitate "the gallant Orange Yeomanry." The Orangeman "relies upon his Bible and his gun." Preferring peace, the Orangeman would fight if necessary
Notes
One verse
"Who fears to speak of Ninety-Eight?"
This was the silly note
Of one who was afraid to put
His name to what he wrote;
The reference is to John Kells Ingram's "The Memory of the Dead," which begins "Who fears to speak of Ninety-Eight?" The point is that Ingram's song was published anonymously. "The Orange Yeomanry of '98" was also published anonymously before Ingram openly acknowledged authorship of "Memory of the Dead." (source: Moylan) - BS
And, of course, this well sums up the attitude of groups such as the Orange Order, which eventually led to partition -- and the Troubles. - RBW
Historical references
- 1798 - Irish rebellion against British rule
Cross references
- cf. "The Memory of the Dead" (lyrics)
References
- Moylan 137, "The Orange Yeomanry of '98" (1 text)
- BI, Moyl137