 | The genius of oblivion ; and Other Original Poems |  |
90
BATTLE OF NEW-ORLEANS.
1.
Like the rush of the tempest, the battle is heard,The echoing din sounds afar—
And firm is the heart of the Briton prepar'd,
And grasp'd is the sword that in Europe he bar'd,
And loud is his shout for the war!
2.
Spirit of Freedom, descend from the skies,And nerve thine own sons for the shock!
And nations shall learn, to their shame and surprise,
That slightest entrenchments, when freemen arise,
Are firmer than adamant rock.
3.
Like Sicily's verdure, this moment aroseBritannia's proud host on the sight—
War's wildest tornado is hurled from their foes—
They sink, as when Ætna its burning mass throws,
Involving destruction in night.
91
4.
Then Columbia's fair Genius, by Victory crown'd,Triumphant, ascended the sky;
The steel of her lightning the olive branch wound,
The ensign of freedom was floating around,
And clemency beamed from her eye.
| The genius of oblivion ; and Other Original Poems | |