Loudly the note of the trumpet is sounding; Proudly the war cries arise on the gale; Fleetly the steed by Lough Swilly is bounding, To join the thick squadrons on Saimear's green vale.
Deeply the merciless foeman shall rue When on his ears shall ring, Borne on the breeze's wing, Tír Chonaill's dread war-cry, "O'Donnell Abú!"
Wildly o'er Desmond the war-wolf is howling; Fearless the eagle sweeps over the plain; The fox in the streets of the city is prowling-- All who would scare them are banished or slain!
Grasp ev'ry stalwart hand Hackbut and battle brand-- Pay them all back the debt so long due; Norris and Clifford well Can of Tirconnell tell; Onward to glory--"O'Donnell abú!"
Sacred the cause that Clan Connell's defending-- The altars we kneel at and homes of our sires; Ruthless the ruin the foe is extending-- Midnight is red with the plunderer's fires.
They are now summoned to join the rest of O'Donnell's forces, who await the arrival of Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone, and the Borderers who protect his lands.