The lines here referred to occur in the old ballad of _Boyne Water_, some
fragments of which are given in Duffy's _Ballad Poetry of Ireland_, 5th
edition, p. 248. They are supposed to have been spoken by William III. on
the death of the Duke Schomberg.
"Both horse and foot they marched on, intending them to batter,
But the brave Duke Schomberg he was shot, as he crossed over the water.
When that King William he observed the brave Duke Schomberg falling,
He rein'd his horse, with a heavy heart, on the Enniskilleners calling:
'What will you do for me, brave boys? See yonder men retreating;
Our enemies encouraged are, and English drums are beating.'
He says, 'My boys, feel no dismay at the losing of one commander,
For God shall be our King this day, and I'll be general under.'"
{119}
The lines quoted by your correspondent also occur in the more modern song
of _The Battle of the Boyne_, which may be found at p. 144 of Mr. Duffy's
work.