 | The poetical works of Samuel Woodworth |  |
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MARTIAL AND PATRIOTIC PIECES.
FREEDOM'S STAR.
Hail, Star of Freedom, hail!
Whose splendor ne'er shall fail,
In peace or war;
Long shall thy golden ray
O'er these blessed regions play,
While millions own the sway
Of Freedom's Star.
Whose splendor ne'er shall fail,
In peace or war;
Long shall thy golden ray
O'er these blessed regions play,
While millions own the sway
Of Freedom's Star.
Our sires, a pilgrim band,
Who sought this promised land,
From realms afar,
Spurned fell oppression's sway,
And dared the pathless way,
Led by the golden ray
Of Freedom's Star.
Who sought this promised land,
From realms afar,
Spurned fell oppression's sway,
And dared the pathless way,
Led by the golden ray
Of Freedom's Star.
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Their sons, with kindred flame,
Have earned an equal fame,
In peace and war!
Determined to be free,
Have fought by land and sea,
Led on to victory,
By Freedom's Star!
Have earned an equal fame,
In peace and war!
Determined to be free,
Have fought by land and sea,
Led on to victory,
By Freedom's Star!
Beneath her temple's dome,
Here wanderers find a home
From realms afar!
Blest in their happy choice,
Here will they long rejoice,
And with united voice,
Hail Freedom's Star!
Here wanderers find a home
From realms afar!
Blest in their happy choice,
Here will they long rejoice,
And with united voice,
Hail Freedom's Star!
FREEDOM'S CONSTELLATION.
Glory gilds the western skies
With bright irradiation,
Where brilliant stars so oft arise
In Freedom's constellation.
See the glittering orbs revolve
Around the sun of Union!
And never shall the tie dissolve
Which holds them in communion.
This exalts Columbia's cause,
And gilds her reputation;
This secures her earth's applause,
And Heaven's approbation.
With bright irradiation,
Where brilliant stars so oft arise
In Freedom's constellation.
See the glittering orbs revolve
Around the sun of Union!
And never shall the tie dissolve
Which holds them in communion.
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And gilds her reputation;
This secures her earth's applause,
And Heaven's approbation.
Long shall live Columbia's name,
In patriotic story,
And long around her brow shall flame
A bright, unsullied glory.
Virtue's panoply she wears,
Her weapons truth and justice;
The olive-branch her standard bears,
In Heaven alone her trust is.
This exalts Columbia's cause, &c.
In patriotic story,
And long around her brow shall flame
A bright, unsullied glory.
Virtue's panoply she wears,
Her weapons truth and justice;
The olive-branch her standard bears,
In Heaven alone her trust is.
This exalts Columbia's cause, &c.
Mild religion's lucid ray
Her glowing prospect brightens,
And superstition shuns the day
Which literature enlightens.
Charity's celestial flame
Here sheds its mild effulgence,
For every party, sect, and name,
Enjoys the same indulgence.
This exalts Columbia's cause, &c.
Her glowing prospect brightens,
And superstition shuns the day
Which literature enlightens.
Charity's celestial flame
Here sheds its mild effulgence,
For every party, sect, and name,
Enjoys the same indulgence.
This exalts Columbia's cause, &c.
Freemen reap the fertile soil
Their valor has defended,
And smiling plenty crowns the toil
Which health and hope attended.
Exiles here a refuge find,
Secure from persecution,
And bless the wisdom that designed
Our glorious constitution.
This exalts Columbia's cause, &c.
Their valor has defended,
And smiling plenty crowns the toil
Which health and hope attended.
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Secure from persecution,
And bless the wisdom that designed
Our glorious constitution.
This exalts Columbia's cause, &c.
See our mighty realm increase,
Since independence crowned it,
And its growth shall never cease,
Till oceans only bound it.
Still Columbia never fights
For conquest or for plunder;
Nothing but insulted right
Can wake her martial thunder.
This exalts Columbia's cause, &c.
Since independence crowned it,
And its growth shall never cease,
Till oceans only bound it.
Still Columbia never fights
For conquest or for plunder;
Nothing but insulted right
Can wake her martial thunder.
This exalts Columbia's cause, &c.
See Neptune with the lakes allied—
No legendary story—
The god of ocean gains a bride
Where Perry wedded glory.
See potent steam's resistless charm
Uniting distant places,
Till Mississippi's giant arm
The Hudson's form embraces.
This exalts Columbia's cause &c.
No legendary story—
The god of ocean gains a bride
Where Perry wedded glory.
See potent steam's resistless charm
Uniting distant places,
Till Mississippi's giant arm
The Hudson's form embraces.
This exalts Columbia's cause &c.
Hail, thou mistress of the West!
Where freemen hold dominion,
Where the dove may safely rest
Beneath the eagle's pinion.
Long as Cynthia wheels her car,
Or Phœbus holds his station,
Be virtue still the brightest star
In Freedom's Constellation.
This exalts Columbia's cause,
And gilds her reputation;
This secures her earth's applause,
And Heaven's approbation.
Where freemen hold dominion,
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Beneath the eagle's pinion.
Long as Cynthia wheels her car,
Or Phœbus holds his station,
Be virtue still the brightest star
In Freedom's Constellation.
This exalts Columbia's cause,
And gilds her reputation;
This secures her earth's applause,
And Heaven's approbation.
FREEDOM'S JUBILEE.
Freedom's jubilee again
Calls for music's richest strain,
Hail her bright auspicious reign,
Hail the jubilee!
Louder let the anthem swell,
And to listening seraphs tell,
That the land in which we dwell,
Ever will be free!
Calls for music's richest strain,
Hail her bright auspicious reign,
Hail the jubilee!
Louder let the anthem swell,
And to listening seraphs tell,
That the land in which we dwell,
Ever will be free!
On this day Columbians broke
Stern oppression's galling yoke,
And, by one decisive stroke,
Made their children free!
'T was the birth of freedom here,
'T is a day to freemen dear,
Let us, then, each rolling year,
Keep the jubilee!
Stern oppression's galling yoke,
And, by one decisive stroke,
Made their children free!
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'T is a day to freemen dear,
Let us, then, each rolling year,
Keep the jubilee!
Long and bloody was the fray,
Ere Columbia gained the day,
Lowly many a hero lay,
Dying to be free!
But immortal Washington
Led Columbia's patriots on,
Till the glorious prize was won,
Peace and Liberty!
Ere Columbia gained the day,
Lowly many a hero lay,
Dying to be free!
But immortal Washington
Led Columbia's patriots on,
Till the glorious prize was won,
Peace and Liberty!
THE VICTOR COMES, HUZZA!
Flee, busy care! the god of war
Will guard him in the fray,
And where the rudest dangers are,
His plume is seen to play.
Where martial banners proudly wave,
And flashing blades appear,
There moves the leader of the brave,
His heart unknown to fear
The routed foe, retreating,
To freemen yield the day;
The roll of joy is beating,
The field is ours, huzza!
Will guard him in the fray,
And where the rudest dangers are,
His plume is seen to play.
Where martial banners proudly wave,
And flashing blades appear,
There moves the leader of the brave,
His heart unknown to fear
The routed foe, retreating,
To freemen yield the day;
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The field is ours, huzza!
My hero claims the brightest wreath,
The loudest note of fame,
Let Music's voice his praises breath,
And bards repeat his name.
He comes to bless my longing arms,
And cheer his lonely bride;
Safe from the battle's rude alarms,
He comes in martial pride.
He comes with smiles returning,
In triumph's glittering car;
The torch of joy is burning,
The victor comes, huzza!
The loudest note of fame,
Let Music's voice his praises breath,
And bards repeat his name.
He comes to bless my longing arms,
And cheer his lonely bride;
Safe from the battle's rude alarms,
He comes in martial pride.
He comes with smiles returning,
In triumph's glittering car;
The torch of joy is burning,
The victor comes, huzza!
DEATH ON THE BATTLE-FIELD.
The tempest of battle was loud,
And proudly the banners were streaming,
While bright as the flash in the cloud,
The blade of the hero was gleaming.
And proudly the banners were streaming,
While bright as the flash in the cloud,
The blade of the hero was gleaming.
And Fame shall exultingly tell,
How firmly in fight he contended,
'Till covered with glory, he fell
On the field he so bravely defended.
How firmly in fight he contended,
'Till covered with glory, he fell
On the field he so bravely defended.
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YES, YES, I GO.
“Yes, yes, I go”—he whispered soft,
“In freedom's cause my sword to wield,
Columbia's banner waves aloft,
And glory calls me to the field.”
Then foremost on the foe he prest,
While war's rude tempest wildly roared,
Till gushing from the hero's breast
The purple tide in torrents poured.
“In freedom's cause my sword to wield,
Columbia's banner waves aloft,
And glory calls me to the field.”
Then foremost on the foe he prest,
While war's rude tempest wildly roared,
Till gushing from the hero's breast
The purple tide in torrents poured.
He fell, and oh! what fancies stole
Through memory vista, bright and warm,
Till one loved image o'er his soul
Came like an angel in the storm.
But loudly swelled the bugle's blast,
His hand instinctive grasped the steel;
Again it swelled—but all was past,
The warrior's breast had ceased to fell.
Through memory vista, bright and warm,
Till one loved image o'er his soul
Came like an angel in the storm.
But loudly swelled the bugle's blast,
His hand instinctive grasped the steel;
Again it swelled—but all was past,
The warrior's breast had ceased to fell.
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WAR.
Gentle Peace, on ruffled pinion,
Flies from Freedom's injured realm;
War extends his rough dominion,
Vengeance nodding on his helm.
Flies from Freedom's injured realm;
War extends his rough dominion,
Vengeance nodding on his helm.
Harshly sounds the trumpet's clamor,
While our warriors leap to arms;
Beauty shrinks in fearful tremor,
Snatching graces from alarms.
While our warriors leap to arms;
Beauty shrinks in fearful tremor,
Snatching graces from alarms.
Harsh to us the martial clarion,
Who with peace and freedom blest,
Bade the desert, drear and barren,
Smile a garden in the west.
Who with peace and freedom blest,
Bade the desert, drear and barren,
Smile a garden in the west.
Harsh to us, whose fair pretensions
Ne'er infringed a nation's right,
Who have tamely borne aggressions,
Rather than engage in fight.
Ne'er infringed a nation's right,
Who have tamely borne aggressions,
Rather than engage in fight.
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THE ONSET.
See! at length, indignant Justice
Bares her sabre's spotless blade!
Swears by him in whom her trust is,
Every wrong shall be repaid!
Bares her sabre's spotless blade!
Swears by him in whom her trust is,
Every wrong shall be repaid!
Hark! the horrid fray commences!
Mars has slipped the dogs of war,
Death on every side dispenses
Spreading ruin round his car.
Mars has slipped the dogs of war,
Death on every side dispenses
Spreading ruin round his car.
'T WAS WAR.
'T was war!—and the plough in the furrow was stayed,
Each art was relinquished for musket and blade;
The pipe of the swain in the valley was still,
While the bugle rung loud from each fortified hill.
Each art was relinquished for musket and blade;
The pipe of the swain in the valley was still,
While the bugle rung loud from each fortified hill.
The cause of humanity, freedom, and truth,
Enkindled a flame in the breast of each youth,
Which, fanned by the air that our freemen respire,
Soon burst on the foe in a deluge of fire.
Enkindled a flame in the breast of each youth,
Which, fanned by the air that our freemen respire,
Soon burst on the foe in a deluge of fire.
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THE BATTLE.
RECITATIVE.
Oh, who, reclined in dastard ease,
Could hear his country call in vain,
Or view her banner court the breeze,
Nor sigh to seek the hostile plain?
Could hear his country call in vain,
Or view her banner court the breeze,
Nor sigh to seek the hostile plain?
AIR.
Oh, perish such wretches! while, eager for glory,
The youth of our country are rushing to arms;
The deeds of our sires, if we list to the story,
Excite in our bosoms a spirit that charms.
The youth of our country are rushing to arms;
The deeds of our sires, if we list to the story,
Excite in our bosoms a spirit that charms.
RECITATIVE.
But hark! the cannon's awful roar
Proclaims the deadly fray begun!
The hostile ranks have met once more,
And clouds of smoke obscure the sun.
Proclaims the deadly fray begun!
The hostile ranks have met once more,
And clouds of smoke obscure the sun.
AIR.
The soul-stirring bugle now sounds to the charge,
And our cavalry rush like a tempest along;
The wing of the foe, on the cataract's verge,
Is broken and turned by a current so strong.
And our cavalry rush like a tempest along;
The wing of the foe, on the cataract's verge,
Is broken and turned by a current so strong.
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The havoc increases, the squadrons unite,
The clashing of sabres is heard in the din,
All rushing with ardor to share in the fight,
While bayonets bristle terrific between.
The clashing of sabres is heard in the din,
All rushing with ardor to share in the fight,
While bayonets bristle terrific between.
The shouts of the victors, the groans of the dying,
The shrill-sounding fife, and the drum's noisy rattle,
The prancing of coursers, in charging or flying,
Unite in augmenting the din of the battle.
The shrill-sounding fife, and the drum's noisy rattle,
The prancing of coursers, in charging or flying,
Unite in augmenting the din of the battle.
RECITATIVE.
But, hark! the distant bugle's strain
Proclaims the vanquished foe is flying;
He leaves behind the ensanguined plain,
Where half his host are dead or dying.
Proclaims the vanquished foe is flying;
He leaves behind the ensanguined plain,
Where half his host are dead or dying.
AIR.
The tumult subsides, and the carnage is done,
The field is our own, for the battle is won;
Our bugle proclaims us the lords of the day,
With victory, liberty, glory, huzza!
The field is our own, for the battle is won;
Our bugle proclaims us the lords of the day,
With victory, liberty, glory, huzza!
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THE BUGLE.
Deep murmuring down the lonely dell,
The dull tattoo, with drowsy swell,
Had bid the march-worn soldier rest,
With armor buckled on his breast.
But, hark! what cry alarms?
The foe at hand!—to arms!
And, darting from the ground,
The slumbering veterans bound,
While the bugle sounds the charge, rousing echo with the sound.
The dull tattoo, with drowsy swell,
Had bid the march-worn soldier rest,
With armor buckled on his breast.
But, hark! what cry alarms?
The foe at hand!—to arms!
And, darting from the ground,
The slumbering veterans bound,
While the bugle sounds the charge, rousing echo with the sound.
And now the cannon's sullen roar,
Deep rolls along Ontario's shore,
While Freedom's sons surprised remain,
Their watchword stole—their pickets slain.
In vain their trump alarms,
In vain they cry, to arms!
The foe from ambush springs,
Their yells the welkin rings,
While the bugle sounds retreat, adding speed to terror's wings.
Deep rolls along Ontario's shore,
While Freedom's sons surprised remain,
Their watchword stole—their pickets slain.
In vain their trump alarms,
In vain they cry, to arms!
The foe from ambush springs,
Their yells the welkin rings,
While the bugle sounds retreat, adding speed to terror's wings.
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Shall Freedom's veterans fly the field,
Her heroes shrink—her chieftains yield?
Say, where 's the spirit of the brave
Who bled Columbia's rights to save?
It lives! it breathes! it warms!
Roused by the clash of arms,
Vengeance, with eye of flame,
Fires with a love of fame,
While the bugle sounds the rally, until victory we claim.
Her heroes shrink—her chieftains yield?
Say, where 's the spirit of the brave
Who bled Columbia's rights to save?
It lives! it breathes! it warms!
Roused by the clash of arms,
Vengeance, with eye of flame,
Fires with a love of fame,
While the bugle sounds the rally, until victory we claim.
INDEPENDENCE.
Come, crowd around the festive board,
And join the song with one accord,
Be every breast with pleasure stored,
And care and envy send hence.
Our dear-bought freedom we will praise,
Dear-bought freedom—dear-bought freedom—
Our dear-bought freedom we will praise,
The right of our descendants;
Our dear-bought freedom we will praise,
And every glowing heart shall raise
The chorus of our joyful lays,
Columbia's Independence.
And join the song with one accord,
Be every breast with pleasure stored,
And care and envy send hence.
Our dear-bought freedom we will praise,
Dear-bought freedom—dear-bought freedom—
Our dear-bought freedom we will praise,
The right of our descendants;
Our dear-bought freedom we will praise,
And every glowing heart shall raise
The chorus of our joyful lays,
Columbia's Independence.
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Be party rancor banished hence,
For peace is virtue's recompense;
Friendship and love on no pretence
Should ever meet with hinderance.
Let sons of freedom e'er agree—
Sons of freedom—sons of freedom—
Let sons of freedom e'er agree,
In amity's attendance;
Let sons of freedom e'er agree,
For why should men, existing free,
Deform with discord's stormy sea—
Columbia's Independence!
For peace is virtue's recompense;
Friendship and love on no pretence
Should ever meet with hinderance.
Let sons of freedom e'er agree—
Sons of freedom—sons of freedom—
Let sons of freedom e'er agree,
In amity's attendance;
Let sons of freedom e'er agree,
For why should men, existing free,
Deform with discord's stormy sea—
Columbia's Independence!
We here assemble to rejoice
That patriots, with united voice,
Once rose and made this manly choice,
For them and their descendants.
They freedom's eagle raised on high—
Freedom's eagle—freedom's eagle—
They freedom's eagle raised on high,
Amid the stars' resplendence;
They freedom's eagle raised on high,
And swore to fight or bravely die,
If foreign despots dare deny
Columbia's Independence.
That patriots, with united voice,
Once rose and made this manly choice,
For them and their descendants.
They freedom's eagle raised on high—
Freedom's eagle—freedom's eagle—
They freedom's eagle raised on high,
Amid the stars' resplendence;
They freedom's eagle raised on high,
And swore to fight or bravely die,
If foreign despots dare deny
Columbia's Independence.
Bellona goads her foaming steeds,
Beneath her car Oppression bleeds,
And Tyranny with haste recedes,
With all his cursed attendants;
Our patriot fathers gained the day—
Patriot fathers—patriot fathers—
Our patriot fathers gained the day,
For them and their descendants;
Our patriot fathers gained the day,
For which we raise the joyful lay,
And on our banners still display
Columbia's Independence.
Beneath her car Oppression bleeds,
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With all his cursed attendants;
Our patriot fathers gained the day—
Patriot fathers—patriot fathers—
Our patriot fathers gained the day,
For them and their descendants;
Our patriot fathers gained the day,
For which we raise the joyful lay,
And on our banners still display
Columbia's Independence.
Then Freedom bade her temple rise,
Whose fabric every foe defies,
While joyous seraphs from the skies
Bestow their glad attendance;
And shades of martyrs smiling see—
Shades of martyrs—shades of martyrs—
And shades of martyrs smiling see
The joy of their descendants;
And shades of martyrs smiling see
Their sons united, brave, and free,
And yearly hail, with mirth and glee,
Columbia's Independence.
Whose fabric every foe defies,
While joyous seraphs from the skies
Bestow their glad attendance;
And shades of martyrs smiling see—
Shades of martyrs—shades of martyrs—
And shades of martyrs smiling see
The joy of their descendants;
And shades of martyrs smiling see
Their sons united, brave, and free,
And yearly hail, with mirth and glee,
Columbia's Independence.
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HARK! THE CLAMOROUS BUGLE.
HE.Hark! the clamorous bugle calls me;
Fare thee well, I must away;
SHE.
How, alas! the sound appals me!
Heaven protect thee in the fray.
HE.
Fame invites me,
SHE.
Danger frights me,
HE.
Danger is the path to fame;
SHE.
Fame shall bless thee,
Love caress thee;
HE.
Love and glory gild my name.
SHE.
Hark! again the bugle loudly
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Echoes through the leafy dell;
Warrior plumes are nodding proudly;
HE.
Glory calls me, fare thee well.
BOTH.
Fare thee well, love, fare thee well.
THE GOD OF BATTLE.
The God of battle be thy shield,
And guard my love from danger,
When havoc desolates the field,
Whence pity flies a stranger.
And guard my love from danger,
When havoc desolates the field,
Whence pity flies a stranger.
Where hearts, determined to be free,
Assume relentless rigor,
And arms which strike for liberty,
Possess immortal vigor.
Assume relentless rigor,
And arms which strike for liberty,
Possess immortal vigor.
There guard my gallant soldier's breast,
Till victory light upon his crest;
And when the foeman flies before him,
Oh, then to love and me restore him.
Till victory light upon his crest;
And when the foeman flies before him,
Oh, then to love and me restore him.
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THE PATRIOTIC DIGGERS.
Johnny Bull beware,
Keep at proper distance,
Else we'll make you stare
At our firm resistance;
Let alone the lads
Who are freedom tasting,
Recollect our dads
Gave you once a basting.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
Keep at proper distance,
Else we'll make you stare
At our firm resistance;
Let alone the lads
Who are freedom tasting,
Recollect our dads
Gave you once a basting.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
To protect our rights
'Gainst your flints and triggers,
See on Brooklyn Heights
Our patriotic diggers;
Men of every age,
Color, rank, profession,
Ardently engage,
Labor in succession.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
'Gainst your flints and triggers,
See on Brooklyn Heights
Our patriotic diggers;
Men of every age,
Color, rank, profession,
Ardently engage,
Labor in succession.
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Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
Grandeur leaves her towers,
Poverty her hovel,
Here to join their powers
With the hoe and shovel.
Here the merchant toils
With the patriot sawyer,
There the laborer smiles,
Near him sweats the lawyer.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
Poverty her hovel,
Here to join their powers
With the hoe and shovel.
Here the merchant toils
With the patriot sawyer,
There the laborer smiles,
Near him sweats the lawyer.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
Here the mason builds
Freedom's shrine of glory,
While the painter gilds
The immortal story.
Blacksmiths catch the flame,
Grocers feel the spirit,
Printers share the fame,
And record their merit.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow,
Freedom's shrine of glory,
While the painter gilds
The immortal story.
Blacksmiths catch the flame,
Grocers feel the spirit,
Printers share the fame,
And record their merit.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
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Yankees have the marrow,
Scholars leave their schools
With their patriot teachers;
Farmers seize their tools,
Headed by their preachers.
How they break the soil!
Brewers, butchers, bakers,
Here the doctors toil,
There the undertakers.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
With their patriot teachers;
Farmers seize their tools,
Headed by their preachers.
How they break the soil!
Brewers, butchers, bakers,
Here the doctors toil,
There the undertakers.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
Bright Apollo's sons
Leave their pipe and tabor,
'Mid the roar of guns
Join the martial labor;
Round the embattled plain
In sweet concord rally,
And in freedom's strain
Sing the foe's finale!
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
Leave their pipe and tabor,
'Mid the roar of guns
Join the martial labor;
Round the embattled plain
In sweet concord rally,
And in freedom's strain
Sing the foe's finale!
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
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Plumbers, founders, dyers,
Tinmen, turners, shavers,
Sweepers, clerks, and criers,
Jewellers, engravers,
Clothiers, drapers, players,
Cartmen, hatters, tailors,
Guagers, sealers, weighers,
Carpenters, and sailors.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
Tinmen, turners, shavers,
Sweepers, clerks, and criers,
Jewellers, engravers,
Clothiers, drapers, players,
Cartmen, hatters, tailors,
Guagers, sealers, weighers,
Carpenters, and sailors.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
Better not invade;
Recollect the spirit
Which our dads displayed,
And their sons inherit;
If you still advance,
Friendly caution slighting,
You may get, by chance,
A bellyful of fighting.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
Recollect the spirit
Which our dads displayed,
And their sons inherit;
If you still advance,
Friendly caution slighting,
You may get, by chance,
A bellyful of fighting.
Pickaxe, shovel, spade,
Crowbar, hoe, and barrow,
Better not invade,
Yankees have the marrow.
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THE JUBILEE.
While freedom's bright banner is waving unfurled,
And millions are hailing the birth of a nation,
Let the voice of our cannon proclaim to the world
The joy that we feel on this grand celebration.
Independent and free,
We swear still to be,
And bequeath to our children this bright jubilee.
And millions unborn shall exultingly say,
A nation of freemen was born in a day.
And millions are hailing the birth of a nation,
Let the voice of our cannon proclaim to the world
The joy that we feel on this grand celebration.
Independent and free,
We swear still to be,
And bequeath to our children this bright jubilee.
And millions unborn shall exultingly say,
A nation of freemen was born in a day.
But long was the conflict our fathers sustained,
For strong was the iron-nerved arm of oppression,
Till valor and justice the victory gained,
And wrung from the foe a reluctant concession.
In field, and on flood,
Mid torrents of blood,
Undaunted, the bulwark of freedom, they stood,
Till an empire was founded that ne'er shall decay,
When a nation of freemen was born in a day.
For strong was the iron-nerved arm of oppression,
Till valor and justice the victory gained,
And wrung from the foe a reluctant concession.
In field, and on flood,
Mid torrents of blood,
Undaunted, the bulwark of freedom, they stood,
Till an empire was founded that ne'er shall decay,
When a nation of freemen was born in a day.
Their souls at no prospect of danger e'er quaked,
In securing the right of their grateful descendants;
For fortune, existence, and honor, were staked,
To support the bold charter of proud independence.
They swore to be free,
And the godlike decree
Secures us the bliss of this grand jubilee.
For an empire was founded that ne'er shall decay,
And a nation of freemen was born in a day.
In securing the right of their grateful descendants;
110
To support the bold charter of proud independence.
They swore to be free,
And the godlike decree
Secures us the bliss of this grand jubilee.
For an empire was founded that ne'er shall decay,
And a nation of freemen was born in a day.
The white dove of peace with her olive returned,
By science, and learning, and genius attended;
On liberty's altar new incense was burned,
Where valor and love were in harmony blended.
In union combined,
They expanded the mind,
Till ocean, and rivers, and lakes are combined.
Thus an empire is founded, that ne'er shall decay
Since a nation of freemen was born in a day.
By science, and learning, and genius attended;
On liberty's altar new incense was burned,
Where valor and love were in harmony blended.
In union combined,
They expanded the mind,
Till ocean, and rivers, and lakes are combined.
Thus an empire is founded, that ne'er shall decay
Since a nation of freemen was born in a day.
Then wake the loud anthem in liberty's praise,
While millions unite in the grand celebration;
And the symbols of joy which our country displays,
Shall spread through the world a sublime emulation.
Till happy and free,
All nations agree,
To celebrate Liberty's grand jubilee.
And millions unborn shall exultingly say,
A nation of freemen was born in a day.
While millions unite in the grand celebration;
And the symbols of joy which our country displays,
Shall spread through the world a sublime emulation.
Till happy and free,
All nations agree,
To celebrate Liberty's grand jubilee.
And millions unborn shall exultingly say,
A nation of freemen was born in a day.
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FREEDOM, LOVE, AND FAME.
RECITATIVE.
How bright and joyous nature bloomed
Beneath a vernal sky,
Ere he who won my heart had doomed
That heart alone to sigh.
But love of fame inspired his breast,
And now in fields afar,
With crimsoned blade, and towering crest,
He seeks the din of war.
Beneath a vernal sky,
Ere he who won my heart had doomed
That heart alone to sigh.
But love of fame inspired his breast,
And now in fields afar,
With crimsoned blade, and towering crest,
He seeks the din of war.
AIR.
High o'er the field, in martial pride,
His starry banner waves,
Where heroes stem the battle tide,
Or sink in hallowed graves!
There, mid the rude and maddening clash,
Of Havoc's vengeful steel,
His falchion gleams, the lightning flash
That leads the thunder peal.
His deeds shall live in story,
He strikes in Freedom's name,
For country, home, and glory,
Inspired by love and fame!
Rude was the shock! the squadrons close!
And freemen win the field!
On! victors, on! pursue your foes!
But spare them when they yield.
Relieved from sterner duty,
The hero now may claim
The sweetest smiles of beauty,
With Freedom, Love, and Fame.
His starry banner waves,
Where heroes stem the battle tide,
Or sink in hallowed graves!
There, mid the rude and maddening clash,
Of Havoc's vengeful steel,
His falchion gleams, the lightning flash
That leads the thunder peal.
His deeds shall live in story,
He strikes in Freedom's name,
For country, home, and glory,
Inspired by love and fame!
112
And freemen win the field!
On! victors, on! pursue your foes!
But spare them when they yield.
Relieved from sterner duty,
The hero now may claim
The sweetest smiles of beauty,
With Freedom, Love, and Fame.
COLUMBIA, THE PRIDE OF THE WORLD.
Oh, there is a region, a realm in the West,
To Tyranny's shackles unknown,
A country with union and liberty blest,
That fairest of lands is our own.
Where commerce has opened her richest of marts,
Where freedom's bright flag is unfurled,
The garden of science, the seat of the arts,
Columbia, the pride of the world.
To Tyranny's shackles unknown,
A country with union and liberty blest,
That fairest of lands is our own.
Where commerce has opened her richest of marts,
Where freedom's bright flag is unfurled,
The garden of science, the seat of the arts,
Columbia, the pride of the world.
The rays of her glory have lighted the earth,
While Tyranny's minions, dismayed,
Acknowledged her prowess, admitted her worth,
And shrunk at the flash of her blade.
For conquest or plunder she never contends,
For freedom, her flag is unfurled;
And foemen in battle, in peace are thy friends,
Columbia, the pride of the world.
While Tyranny's minions, dismayed,
Acknowledged her prowess, admitted her worth,
And shrunk at the flash of her blade.
For conquest or plunder she never contends,
For freedom, her flag is unfurled;
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Columbia, the pride of the world.
Her clime is a refuge for all the oppressed,
Whom tyranny urges to roam;
And every exile we greet as a guest,
Soon feels like a brother at home.
Then hail to our country, the land of our birth,
Where freedom's bright flag is unfurled;
The rays of whose glory have lighted the earth,
Columbia, the pride of the world.
Whom tyranny urges to roam;
And every exile we greet as a guest,
Soon feels like a brother at home.
Then hail to our country, the land of our birth,
Where freedom's bright flag is unfurled;
The rays of whose glory have lighted the earth,
Columbia, the pride of the world.
ODE,
SUNG AT THE CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE BY THE SOCIETY OF JUVENILE PATRIOTS.
[AN EARLY JUVENILE PRODUCTION.]
When from our shores Bellona's car
Recoiled amid dread scenes of war;
The guardian genius of our land
Gave listening freemen this command—
“Revere fair Freedom's chosen son,
Protect with life the prize he won.”
Recoiled amid dread scenes of war;
The guardian genius of our land
Gave listening freemen this command—
“Revere fair Freedom's chosen son,
Protect with life the prize he won.”
High on her right the hero stood,
Victorious from the fields of blood,
And poised to heaven his reeking blade,
As witness to the vow he made:—
“This arm, with Heaven for its shield,
Shall e'er protect the dear-bought field.”
Victorious from the fields of blood,
114
As witness to the vow he made:—
“This arm, with Heaven for its shield,
Shall e'er protect the dear-bought field.”
The goddess heard the solemn vow,
And twined the laurel round his brow;
While swelled the anthem to his praise,
And spheres responsive caught the lays—
“Revere the hero, Washington,
For he your independence won.”
And twined the laurel round his brow;
While swelled the anthem to his praise,
And spheres responsive caught the lays—
“Revere the hero, Washington,
For he your independence won.”
Then, while we consecrate the day
Which gave our land its lawful sway,
Let all our bosoms glow with fires
Becoming sons of hero sires;
Swear ne'er to forfeit what they won,
While earth revolves around the sun.
Which gave our land its lawful sway,
Let all our bosoms glow with fires
Becoming sons of hero sires;
Swear ne'er to forfeit what they won,
While earth revolves around the sun.
And while our goblets flow with wine,
While rich libations grace the shrine,
In clouds of incense to the skies
Let this inspiring theme arise:—
“The youth of freedom e'er will be
Champions of sacred Liberty.”
While rich libations grace the shrine,
In clouds of incense to the skies
Let this inspiring theme arise:—
“The youth of freedom e'er will be
Champions of sacred Liberty.”
While Mars' red banner floats unfurled,
O'er the blood-deluged eastern world,
Here, Peace shall bless us with her reign,
While Virtue, Right, and Faith remain;
And let mad Europe blush to see
That Peace can dwell with Liberty.
O'er the blood-deluged eastern world,
115
While Virtue, Right, and Faith remain;
And let mad Europe blush to see
That Peace can dwell with Liberty.
But if our foes should e'er conspire
To kindle Freedom's funeral pyre,
And slaves of tyrants join the band
To subjugate their native land,
Our youth, indignant, then shall rise,
And save the dearly-purchased prize.
To kindle Freedom's funeral pyre,
And slaves of tyrants join the band
To subjugate their native land,
Our youth, indignant, then shall rise,
And save the dearly-purchased prize.
Our fathers fought, and scorned to yield,
But drove Oppression from the field;
Then gave this mandate with the prize,
To unborn patriots yet to rise:—
“Protect the blessing we bestow,
And guard your rights from every foe.”
But drove Oppression from the field;
Then gave this mandate with the prize,
To unborn patriots yet to rise:—
“Protect the blessing we bestow,
And guard your rights from every foe.”
Then, youthful patrots, rise, and swear
To hold the glorious name you bear;
Your dear-bought freedom to maintain,
While ocean, earth, or sky remain;
And, like your fathers, still to be
Independent, great, and free.
To hold the glorious name you bear;
Your dear-bought freedom to maintain,
While ocean, earth, or sky remain;
And, like your fathers, still to be
Independent, great, and free.
116
THE SONS OF COLUMBIA.
The Genius of Freedom, escaped from the flood
Which had deluged the world, and usurped her dominion,
On the glaciers of Switzerland tremblingly stood,
To heaven she looked and extended her pinion;
When over the main
Was wafted the strain,
Which Echo, in raptures, repeated again—
“The sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.”
Which had deluged the world, and usurped her dominion,
On the glaciers of Switzerland tremblingly stood,
To heaven she looked and extended her pinion;
When over the main
Was wafted the strain,
Which Echo, in raptures, repeated again—
“The sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.”
She heard it, and westward directed her flight,
Till our hills met her view in fair grandeur ascending,
When her temple's effulgence burst full on her sight,
And her sons were the rites of her worship attending.
Her altar was reared,
And while freemen revered,
The anthem was struck, and this chorus she heard—
“The sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.”
Till our hills met her view in fair grandeur ascending,
When her temple's effulgence burst full on her sight,
And her sons were the rites of her worship attending.
Her altar was reared,
And while freemen revered,
The anthem was struck, and this chorus she heard—
117
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.”
Then here let the temple for ever be found,
Ye priests, who attend, guard the shrine from pollution;
In the midst be the statue of Washington crowned,
With the laurels he won in our grand revolution.
Swell the anthem again
To Liberty's reign,
And this be the chorus to finish the strain—
“The sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.”
Ye priests, who attend, guard the shrine from pollution;
In the midst be the statue of Washington crowned,
With the laurels he won in our grand revolution.
Swell the anthem again
To Liberty's reign,
And this be the chorus to finish the strain—
“The sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.”
On high soars our eagle, begemmed with the stars,
A dread to our foe, but a dove to our brother;
One talon still clinching the thunder of Mars,
But the olive of peace is held forth in the other.
The world may unite,
With treble our might;
We proffer them peace, but can meet them in fight—
For the sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.
A dread to our foe, but a dove to our brother;
One talon still clinching the thunder of Mars,
But the olive of peace is held forth in the other.
The world may unite,
With treble our might;
We proffer them peace, but can meet them in fight—
For the sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.
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Ye heroes who once so impregnable stood
'Gainst Britain's whole prowess, and scorned to bend under,
Once more you are called, by your countryman's blood,
To wreak your revenge and proclaim it in thunder;
Be our banners unfurled,
Our thunderbolts hurled,
And our cannon shall loudly proclaim to the world,
That the sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.
'Gainst Britain's whole prowess, and scorned to bend under,
Once more you are called, by your countryman's blood,
To wreak your revenge and proclaim it in thunder;
Be our banners unfurled,
Our thunderbolts hurled,
And our cannon shall loudly proclaim to the world,
That the sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.
Can freemen consent that the day which we hold,
To celebrate Liberty's birth in our nation,
Should find us so torpid, insensible, cold,
As to suffer in silence the least degradation?
Yet be it declared,
That Britain has dared
To strike at the fabric which Washington reared;
But the sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.
To celebrate Liberty's birth in our nation,
Should find us so torpid, insensible, cold,
As to suffer in silence the least degradation?
Yet be it declared,
That Britain has dared
To strike at the fabric which Washington reared;
But the sons of Columbia have sworn to be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree.
119
Arise, injured freemen! again grasp the spear,
And hurl on aggressors the vengeance they merit;
The blessing preserve which you value so dear,
The blessing our fathers have bid us inherit.
Indignant arise,
Britain's lion despise,
And swear by the Ruler of earth, sea, and sky,
That the sons of Columbia will ever be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree!
And hurl on aggressors the vengeance they merit;
The blessing preserve which you value so dear,
The blessing our fathers have bid us inherit.
Indignant arise,
Britain's lion despise,
And swear by the Ruler of earth, sea, and sky,
That the sons of Columbia will ever be free,
And their arms shall maintain what their voices decree!
Alluding to the death of Captain Pierce, who was killed by the British within our own waters, during the period of their aggressions on American commerce, and their impressment of American seamen. The record lives, though our resentments have expired.—
Author.LIBERTY AND INDEPENDENCE.
When the fiend of fell discord had deluged in gore
The nations of Europe who bowed to the demon,
And Oppression's black sceptre was held o'er the shore
Once chartered by Heaven, the birthright of freemen;
In a chariot of flame
Fair Liberty came,
And the armor of Pallas encircled the dame:
Attend to her call, sons of Freedom, arise,
Independence in thunder proclaim to the skies.
The nations of Europe who bowed to the demon,
And Oppression's black sceptre was held o'er the shore
Once chartered by Heaven, the birthright of freemen;
In a chariot of flame
Fair Liberty came,
And the armor of Pallas encircled the dame:
Attend to her call, sons of Freedom, arise,
Independence in thunder proclaim to the skies.
120
Inspired by the genius, our fathers unfurled
Her star-spangled banner, owned her dominion;
Bade their cannon indignant proclaim to the world
Their oath to be freemen in act and opinion.
While her eagle on high,
Flashing fire from his eye,
Saw the olive disdained, and his thunders let fly.
Then the watchword was Freedom—Columbia arise,
Independence in thunder proclaim to the skies.
Her star-spangled banner, owned her dominion;
Bade their cannon indignant proclaim to the world
Their oath to be freemen in act and opinion.
While her eagle on high,
Flashing fire from his eye,
Saw the olive disdained, and his thunders let fly.
Then the watchword was Freedom—Columbia arise,
Independence in thunder proclaim to the skies.
The foe in confusion recoiled from our shore,
Where Tyranny's upas in vain sought to flourish;
But the soil he relinquished, enriched with his gore,
Shall for ages the fair tree of Liberty nourish.
Mid its branches above,
In a union of love,
The eagle shall nestle and sport with the dove.
While, from myriads of freemen this chorus shall rise—
“Independence is ours, we'll proclaim to the skies.”
Where Tyranny's upas in vain sought to flourish;
But the soil he relinquished, enriched with his gore,
Shall for ages the fair tree of Liberty nourish.
Mid its branches above,
In a union of love,
The eagle shall nestle and sport with the dove.
While, from myriads of freemen this chorus shall rise—
“Independence is ours, we'll proclaim to the skies.”
But, hark! what hoarse discord our senses assail!
Our bird grasps his thunders, extends his broad pinions,
And perched mid the stars, he hears borne on the gale,
Ambition's proud threat to invade his dominions
But our heroes advance,
And alert seize the lance,
To repel the encroachments of England or France.
“Independence!—we'll never relinquish the prize,”
Let your cannon in thunder proclaim to the skies.
Our bird grasps his thunders, extends his broad pinions,
And perched mid the stars, he hears borne on the gale,
Ambition's proud threat to invade his dominions
121
And alert seize the lance,
To repel the encroachments of England or France.
“Independence!—we'll never relinquish the prize,”
Let your cannon in thunder proclaim to the skies.
Rise, freemen, arise! let this festival day,
Devoted to joy and refined recreation,
See millions stand ready, alert to obey,
Should Liberty call to repel an invasion.
Your weapons retain,
While the goblet you drain,
Your toast, “Death or freedom,” and crowned with this strain:—
“Independence!—we'll never relinquish the prize,”
Let the oath be in thunder proclaimed to the skies.
Devoted to joy and refined recreation,
See millions stand ready, alert to obey,
Should Liberty call to repel an invasion.
Your weapons retain,
While the goblet you drain,
Your toast, “Death or freedom,” and crowned with this strain:—
“Independence!—we'll never relinquish the prize,”
Let the oath be in thunder proclaimed to the skies.
INAUGURATION ODE.
While the vassals of Tyranny rivet their chains
By birthday effusions, and base adulation,
Let freemen express, in their holyday strains,
The voice of a people, the choice of a nation.
Let laureates sing
For the birth of a king,
'T is ours to rejoice for the first fruits of spring;
For still shall the Fourth Day of March ever yield
A harvest of glory in Liberty's field.
By birthday effusions, and base adulation,
Let freemen express, in their holyday strains,
The voice of a people, the choice of a nation.
Let laureates sing
For the birth of a king,
'T is ours to rejoice for the first fruits of spring;
122
A harvest of glory in Liberty's field.
Encircled with glory, the chieftain retires,
Who led us in safety through war's dread commotion;
While the spirit that raised him, another inspires,
To watch o'er our rights with equal devotion.
Monroe shall preside,
His countryman's pride,
The soldier, the statesman, the patriot, well tried;
And thus shall the Fourth Day of March ever yield
A harvest of glory in Liberty's field.
Who led us in safety through war's dread commotion;
While the spirit that raised him, another inspires,
To watch o'er our rights with equal devotion.
Monroe shall preside,
His countryman's pride,
The soldier, the statesman, the patriot, well tried;
And thus shall the Fourth Day of March ever yield
A harvest of glory in Liberty's field.
To legitimate tyrants no freeman shall bow—
To Virtue alone will we pay veneration:
The chiefs of Columbia are called from the plough,
And retire from the chair to the same occupation.
Thus Tompkins arose,
In the face of his foes,
For the path of a patriot the “Farmer's Boy” chose;
And thus shall the Fourth Day of March ever yield
A harvest of glory in Liberty's field.
To Virtue alone will we pay veneration:
The chiefs of Columbia are called from the plough,
And retire from the chair to the same occupation.
Thus Tompkins arose,
In the face of his foes,
For the path of a patriot the “Farmer's Boy” chose;
And thus shall the Fourth Day of March ever yield
A harvest of glory in Liberty's field.
Then hail to the day that beholds us once more
Place the chaplet of power on the brow of true merit;
'T is the sacred insignia our Washington wore—
A legacy none but the good shall inherit;
To the patriot Monroe
The tribute we owe,
Till the people reclaim it again to bestow;
And the Fourth Day of March be again made to yield
A harvest of glory in Liberty's field.
Place the chaplet of power on the brow of true merit;
123
A legacy none but the good shall inherit;
To the patriot Monroe
The tribute we owe,
Till the people reclaim it again to bestow;
And the Fourth Day of March be again made to yield
A harvest of glory in Liberty's field.
Let freemen unite on this festival day,
To celebrate Liberty's triumph in chorus;
Awaken the trumpet—our banners display,
And hail the bright prospect that opens before us;
In pæans of joy
Your voices employ,
For the Patriot Monroe, and our own “Farmer's Boy;”
And ne'er may the Fourth Day of March cease to yield
A harvest of glory in Liberty's field,
To celebrate Liberty's triumph in chorus;
Awaken the trumpet—our banners display,
And hail the bright prospect that opens before us;
In pæans of joy
Your voices employ,
For the Patriot Monroe, and our own “Farmer's Boy;”
And ne'er may the Fourth Day of March cease to yield
A harvest of glory in Liberty's field,
OUR COUNTRY.
Here freedom shall flourish a star in the West;
The dove and the eagle together shall rest;
While science shall glow with a lustre more bright,
And genius soar upward on pinions of light.
The dove and the eagle together shall rest;
While science shall glow with a lustre more bright,
And genius soar upward on pinions of light.
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The arts shall increase and refinement extend,
New graces to beauty shall piety lend;
The demon of selfishness shrink to his hole,
And the form of each action have use for its soul.
New graces to beauty shall piety lend;
The demon of selfishness shrink to his hole,
And the form of each action have use for its soul.
Now Commence revives, and her hundred wheels roll,
Our canvass is spread from equator to pole;
Antipodes gaze on our banner unfurled,
For the course of our eagle shall girdle the world
Our canvass is spread from equator to pole;
Antipodes gaze on our banner unfurled,
For the course of our eagle shall girdle the world
The genius of Plenty her office resumes,
The treasures of India—Arabia's perfumes,
Each gem and each fruit that the world can produce,
Her horn pours around for our pleasure or use.
The treasures of India—Arabia's perfumes,
Each gem and each fruit that the world can produce,
Her horn pours around for our pleasure or use.
The names of our heroes, recorded by Fame,
Shall glow in her tablets in letters of flame;
And patriots, and sages, and bards yet unborn,
With splendor as brilliant the page shall adorn.
Shall glow in her tablets in letters of flame;
And patriots, and sages, and bards yet unborn,
With splendor as brilliant the page shall adorn.
125
WASHINGTON'S BIRTH.
Bright were her smiles, when the blushing Aurora,
Greeted the newly-born hope of the West;
Phœbus, advancing in chariot of glory,
Gazed with delight on the infantile guest;
Seraphs, commissioned to watch o'er his slumbers,
Shake from their pinions the odors of bliss;
While, in the softest and sweetest of numbers,
Hark! they are chanting an anthem like this:
Bright heir of endless fame,
Thine be a deathless name,
Thine be a glory to brighten the earth;
Then shall a nation join,
Round Freedom's sacred shrine,
Hailing the day of our Washington's birth.
Greeted the newly-born hope of the West;
Phœbus, advancing in chariot of glory,
Gazed with delight on the infantile guest;
Seraphs, commissioned to watch o'er his slumbers,
Shake from their pinions the odors of bliss;
While, in the softest and sweetest of numbers,
Hark! they are chanting an anthem like this:
Bright heir of endless fame,
Thine be a deathless name,
Thine be a glory to brighten the earth;
Then shall a nation join,
Round Freedom's sacred shrine,
Hailing the day of our Washington's birth.
Fame heard the chorus, and braided the laurel,
Mars caught the tidings, and burnished his shield
Ruthless Bellona prepared for the quarrel,
Justice presented her sword for the field;
Jove, from Olympus, beheld and commended,
Armed his own eagle in Liberty's cause;
Pallas, the goddess of wisdom, descended,
Bearing the new constitution and laws:—
While o'er her hills and plains,
Swelled these seraphic strains—
Rise, blest Columbia, the queen of the earth;
Soon shall your tyrants flee,
Soon shall your sons be free,
Hail to the day of your Washington's birth.
Mars caught the tidings, and burnished his shield
Ruthless Bellona prepared for the quarrel,
Justice presented her sword for the field;
Jove, from Olympus, beheld and commended,
Armed his own eagle in Liberty's cause;
Pallas, the goddess of wisdom, descended,
Bearing the new constitution and laws:—
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Swelled these seraphic strains—
Rise, blest Columbia, the queen of the earth;
Soon shall your tyrants flee,
Soon shall your sons be free,
Hail to the day of your Washington's birth.
Hope smiled ecstatic, while Freedom, delighted,
Fixed on a site for her temple to stand;
There is her altar erected and lighted,
Thence does its splendor illumine the land;
Hail an event of such glory and splendor,
Waken your pæans to Washington's name;
Champion of freedom, our nation's defender,
Hero and statesman, eternal his fame;
Still round our verdant plains,
Swell these seraphic strains—
Rise, blest Columbia, the queen of the earth;
Still shall a nation join,
Round Freedom's sacred shrine,
Hail to the day of our Washington's birth.
Fixed on a site for her temple to stand;
There is her altar erected and lighted,
Thence does its splendor illumine the land;
Hail an event of such glory and splendor,
Waken your pæans to Washington's name;
Champion of freedom, our nation's defender,
Hero and statesman, eternal his fame;
Still round our verdant plains,
Swell these seraphic strains—
Rise, blest Columbia, the queen of the earth;
Still shall a nation join,
Round Freedom's sacred shrine,
Hail to the day of our Washington's birth.
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THE BIRTH OF WASHINGTON.
When Freedom perceives from the regions above,
That fiends would assail the loved empire she planted,
She appealed to the Father of mercy and love,
For a shield of defence—her petition was granted.
Attended by Fame,
In a chariot of flame,
She descended to earth this behest to proclaim,
An infant is born to enlighten the earth,
Then hail to the day of our Washington's birth.
That fiends would assail the loved empire she planted,
She appealed to the Father of mercy and love,
For a shield of defence—her petition was granted.
Attended by Fame,
In a chariot of flame,
She descended to earth this behest to proclaim,
An infant is born to enlighten the earth,
Then hail to the day of our Washington's birth.
Years rolled—and the infant like Hercules grew,
While as fast grew the Hydra of ruthless oppression;
Till Tyranny's vassals their hands dared embrue,
With his countrymen's blood—he avenged the aggressions.
Long and bloody the fray
Till they yielded the day,
To the hero whose glory will never decay;
But long shall its lustre enlighten the earth,
Then hail to the day of our Washington's birth.
While as fast grew the Hydra of ruthless oppression;
Till Tyranny's vassals their hands dared embrue,
With his countrymen's blood—he avenged the aggressions.
Long and bloody the fray
Till they yielded the day,
To the hero whose glory will never decay;
But long shall its lustre enlighten the earth,
Then hail to the day of our Washington's birth.
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'T was then that the victor appeared like a god,
For he thought not of self, but the good of the nation;
Though a crown and a sceptre awaited his nod,
He preferred, like a Roman, to till his plantation.
For the helmet he now
Gladly threw from his brow,
And from Power's dizzy summit retired to the plough.
Such brillant example enlightened the earth,
Then hail to the day of our Washington's birth.
For he thought not of self, but the good of the nation;
Though a crown and a sceptre awaited his nod,
He preferred, like a Roman, to till his plantation.
For the helmet he now
Gladly threw from his brow,
And from Power's dizzy summit retired to the plough.
Such brillant example enlightened the earth,
Then hail to the day of our Washington's birth.
Then join in the anthem with rapturous hearts,
For delight and warm gratitude she must o'erflow them,
Ye lovers of science and friends of the arts,
'T is to Washington's valor and wisdom you owe them.
Then unite in the lay,
'T is to honor the day,
For the light of its glory shall never decay,
But long shall its lustre enlighten the earth,
Then hail to the day of our Washington's birth.
For delight and warm gratitude she must o'erflow them,
Ye lovers of science and friends of the arts,
'T is to Washington's valor and wisdom you owe them.
Then unite in the lay,
'T is to honor the day,
For the light of its glory shall never decay,
But long shall its lustre enlighten the earth,
Then hail to the day of our Washington's birth.
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WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY.
While festive joys our hearts inspire,
Awake the patriotic lyre
With chords of light and tones of fire,
To sing a hero's worth;
And let our voices swell the lay,
Again to celebrate the day,
Illumed with Glory's brightest ray,
The day that give him birth.
Awake the patriotic lyre
With chords of light and tones of fire,
To sing a hero's worth;
And let our voices swell the lay,
Again to celebrate the day,
Illumed with Glory's brightest ray,
The day that give him birth.
Ennobled by himself alone,
His glory so resplendent shone,
That regal sceptre, crown, and throne,
Would but have dimmed its rays;
Devoted to his country's cause,
The champion of her rights and laws,
His children are heaven's applause
And earth's united praise.
His glory so resplendent shone,
That regal sceptre, crown, and throne,
Would but have dimmed its rays;
Devoted to his country's cause,
The champion of her rights and laws,
His children are heaven's applause
And earth's united praise.
In halls of state, and fields of blood,
He like a firm Colossus stood,
His object still Columbia's good,
His trust in Heaven alone;
But when the avenging deed was done,
And Freedom's host the field had won,
Then was immortal Washington
Throned in a nation's love.
He like a firm Colossus stood,
His object still Columbia's good,
His trust in Heaven alone;
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And Freedom's host the field had won,
Then was immortal Washington
Throned in a nation's love.
When War's dread fiend had stayed his hand,
And dove-eyed Peace had blessed the land,
The hero sheathed the conquering wand,
Which independence won;
His valor made our country free,
Secured our rights and liberty,
Then let us celebrate with glee
The birth of Washington.
And dove-eyed Peace had blessed the land,
The hero sheathed the conquering wand,
Which independence won;
His valor made our country free,
Secured our rights and liberty,
Then let us celebrate with glee
The birth of Washington.
HE LEFT THE PLOUGH.
He left the plough and furrowed soil
Till independence crowned his toil,
And then retired with laurelled brow;
Like Rome's dictator to the plough.
Till independence crowned his toil,
And then retired with laurelled brow;
Like Rome's dictator to the plough.
Then swell the tributary lay,
To hail the hero's natal day;
His fadeless glory lights the earth,
And millions celebrate his birth.
To hail the hero's natal day;
His fadeless glory lights the earth,
And millions celebrate his birth.
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O Thou who didst the hero raise,
Accept a grateful nation's praise;
For while thy mercies we proclaim,
With pride our Washington we name.
Accept a grateful nation's praise;
For while thy mercies we proclaim,
With pride our Washington we name.
CENTENNIAL ODE ON WASHINGTON.
Sublimest strains of praise belong
To our Almighty Lord,
Who led our fathers o'er the flood,
Fired with a holy flame,
To build where heathen idols stood,
An altar to his name,
Who spreads their realms from sea to sea,
Which countless charms adorn,
And raised a chief to make it free
When Washington was born.
To our Almighty Lord,
Who led our fathers o'er the flood,
Fired with a holy flame,
To build where heathen idols stood,
An altar to his name,
Who spreads their realms from sea to sea,
Which countless charms adorn,
And raised a chief to make it free
When Washington was born.
Sing to our God in loudest strain,
No other king we own;
No earthly monarch here shall reign,
The King of kings alone.
He to our lot a land assigned,
His favored people's boast,
And blest with gifts of various kind,
The health-encircled coast.
Let freemen swell the sounding lay,
On the auspicious morn,
One hundred years ago to-day,
Our Washington was born.
No other king we own;
No earthly monarch here shall reign,
The King of kings alone.
He to our lot a land assigned,
His favored people's boast,
And blest with gifts of various kind,
The health-encircled coast.
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On the auspicious morn,
One hundred years ago to-day,
Our Washington was born.
LAFAYETTE'S WELCOME.
The banner of Liberty, proudly unfurled,
Is waving in triumph o'er turret and dome,
For the hero, whose fame has enlightened the world,
Revisits a people who welcome him home.
The hero, who, spurning the pleasures that wait
On fortune and rank in the halls of the great,
The foes of Columbia intrepidly met,
Our national guest, is the brave Lafayette.
Is waving in triumph o'er turret and dome,
For the hero, whose fame has enlightened the world,
Revisits a people who welcome him home.
The hero, who, spurning the pleasures that wait
On fortune and rank in the halls of the great,
The foes of Columbia intrepidly met,
Our national guest, is the brave Lafayette.
He saw infant Liberty struggling for life,
When clouds of despair had her prospect o'ercast,
The tempest was raging, he courted the strife,
His generous bosom was bared to the blast.
Then welcome him, freemen! he succored our cause,
With Washington fought for our rights and our laws;
The foes of Columbia intrepidly met,
Then hail the return of the brave Lafayette.
When clouds of despair had her prospect o'ercast,
The tempest was raging, he courted the strife,
His generous bosom was bared to the blast.
Then welcome him, freemen! he succored our cause,
With Washington fought for our rights and our laws;
The foes of Columbia intrepidly met,
Then hail the return of the brave Lafayette.
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A TRIBUTE TO LAFAYETTE.
What is true greatness? In the Eternal Mind
'T is wisdom, love, and potency combined;
In man, his image, it is truth in thought,
Embraced, beloved, and into action brought;
In one bright spirit all these virtues met,
And blessed the world with glorious Lafayette,
Whose feelings, thoughts, and acts united, ran
To one grand point—the happiness of man.
No blemish stained the escutcheon which he bore;
If he loved glory—he loved virtue more:
Heir to a splendid name, rank, title, power,
And princely fortune—from the elysian bower
Of youthful wedlock, which an Eden bloomed
By breath of angel tenderness perfumed,
He tore himself away—at Freedom's call,
In Freedom's cause resolved at stand or fall.
From a voluptuous court, where all caressed,
He flew to join her votaries in the West;
Here, with a stripling's arm, he bared the blade,
The drooping cause of Liberty to aid;
Resolved for glory's dazzling goal to run,
And share the prize with none but Washington.
'T is wisdom, love, and potency combined;
In man, his image, it is truth in thought,
Embraced, beloved, and into action brought;
In one bright spirit all these virtues met,
And blessed the world with glorious Lafayette,
Whose feelings, thoughts, and acts united, ran
To one grand point—the happiness of man.
No blemish stained the escutcheon which he bore;
If he loved glory—he loved virtue more:
Heir to a splendid name, rank, title, power,
And princely fortune—from the elysian bower
Of youthful wedlock, which an Eden bloomed
By breath of angel tenderness perfumed,
He tore himself away—at Freedom's call,
In Freedom's cause resolved at stand or fall.
From a voluptuous court, where all caressed,
He flew to join her votaries in the West;
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The drooping cause of Liberty to aid;
Resolved for glory's dazzling goal to run,
And share the prize with none but Washington.
Was this not greatness?—Triumph or defeat—
The furious onset—masterly retreat—
Skill, courage, patience, conduct, and address—
Yet great in all—till crowned with bright success
He saw our country free; with laurelled brow
Beheld her God-like chief resume the plough;
Then sought his much-loved, native land again,
To beard the fiend Oppression in his den,
Bearing a torch from Freedom's blazing shrine,
Which lights the world, and will for ever shine.
The furious onset—masterly retreat—
Skill, courage, patience, conduct, and address—
Yet great in all—till crowned with bright success
He saw our country free; with laurelled brow
Beheld her God-like chief resume the plough;
Then sought his much-loved, native land again,
To beard the fiend Oppression in his den,
Bearing a torch from Freedom's blazing shrine,
Which lights the world, and will for ever shine.
Whether beheld in Victory's brightest hour,
Or as a fugitive from lawless power;
In the dark cells of Olmutz, crushed with chains,
Still not a spot his laurel chaplet stains.
Freed by Napoleon's arms—e'en gratitude
His love of truth and virtue ne'er subdued.
With manly pride he princely honors spurned,
And to his fireside—loved La Grange—returned.
Was greatness his, whom cursed ambition fired
To mount a throne—or Lafayette's, retired?
Or as a fugitive from lawless power;
In the dark cells of Olmutz, crushed with chains,
Still not a spot his laurel chaplet stains.
Freed by Napoleon's arms—e'en gratitude
His love of truth and virtue ne'er subdued.
With manly pride he princely honors spurned,
And to his fireside—loved La Grange—returned.
Was greatness his, whom cursed ambition fired
To mount a throne—or Lafayette's, retired?
But time rolled on—the hero came once more,
And millions hailed him “Welcome to our shore!”
That was a triumph “meet for gods to view,
And men, like gods”—what monarchs never knew.
But oh! the moral grandeur of that hour,
When introduced beneath our senate's dome,
That solemn conclave hailed him “Welcome home!”
Leaves human language destitute of power
To do it justice. It was more sublime
Than any scene upon the page of time.
And millions hailed him “Welcome to our shore!”
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And men, like gods”—what monarchs never knew.
But oh! the moral grandeur of that hour,
When introduced beneath our senate's dome,
That solemn conclave hailed him “Welcome home!”
Leaves human language destitute of power
To do it justice. It was more sublime
Than any scene upon the page of time.
And when he saw the sages of the land,
Convened to place in one deserving hand
The reins of power, the car of state to guide,
In peace or war, whatever fate betide;
A chief installed without the vain parade
Which dazzles vassals, when their king are made:
Fired with the moral grandeur of the scene,
With tear-drops gushing from an eye serene,
He saw—he heard—and, with high-throbbing breast,
Pronounced Columbia's sons supremely blest.
Convened to place in one deserving hand
The reins of power, the car of state to guide,
In peace or war, whatever fate betide;
A chief installed without the vain parade
Which dazzles vassals, when their king are made:
Fired with the moral grandeur of the scene,
With tear-drops gushing from an eye serene,
He saw—he heard—and, with high-throbbing breast,
Pronounced Columbia's sons supremely blest.
But lo! in France oppression reigns again,
And Lafayette, at three-score years and ten,
Plucks from the Bourbon brow the jewelled crown,
While the weak despot, shrinking from his frown,
Yields him the sceptre, flying in disgrace—
The last, the worst of that degenerate race!
And Lafayette, at three-score years and ten,
Plucks from the Bourbon brow the jewelled crown,
While the weak despot, shrinking from his frown,
Yields him the sceptre, flying in disgrace—
The last, the worst of that degenerate race!
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Millions of hearts, and hands, and voices, now
Had placed upon the patriot's silvery brow
That dazzling diadem—but he was yet
Greater than monarchs—he was Lafayette!
On younger brows he placed the glittering thing,
And swore allegiance to the new-made king:
This was true greatness—for this act surpassed
The loftiest stretch of thought—it was the last—
And it approached so near the heavenly goal,
Earth could no longer hold so pure a soul;
But, filled with virtue, wisdom, truth, and love,
'T was called to wear a diadem above.
We mourn him not on this august occasion—
We celebrate his heavenly coronation!
Had placed upon the patriot's silvery brow
That dazzling diadem—but he was yet
Greater than monarchs—he was Lafayette!
On younger brows he placed the glittering thing,
And swore allegiance to the new-made king:
This was true greatness—for this act surpassed
The loftiest stretch of thought—it was the last—
And it approached so near the heavenly goal,
Earth could no longer hold so pure a soul;
But, filled with virtue, wisdom, truth, and love,
'T was called to wear a diadem above.
We mourn him not on this august occasion—
We celebrate his heavenly coronation!
This tribute to the memory and virtues of Lafayette, was recited by William Wiley, Esq., at the Chatham-street chapel, in the city of New York, on the evening of the eighteenth of December, 1834, preparatory to a eulogy on the life and character of the distinguished patriot.
WHEN THE LILY OF GALLIA.
When the lily of Gallia first bloomed in our valley,
'T was planted by one we shall never forget;
It was spotless and white, like the delicate light
Which beamed from the eye of the young Lafayette.
'T was planted by one we shall never forget;
It was spotless and white, like the delicate light
Which beamed from the eye of the young Lafayette.
When the ever-green laurel we won in the quarrel
By Washington's finger beside it was set,
Oh, the beautiful cluster emitted a lustre
Like that which now circles the brave Lafayette.
By Washington's finger beside it was set,
Oh, the beautiful cluster emitted a lustre
Like that which now circles the brave Lafayette.
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A DIRGE
ON THE DEATHS OF JOHN ADAMS AND THOMAS JEFFERSON, JULY 4, 1826.
The strains of joy no longer float,
Or thrill upon our raptured ears,
But Sorrow wakes her saddest note,
And millions are dissolved in tears.
Or thrill upon our raptured ears,
But Sorrow wakes her saddest note,
And millions are dissolved in tears.
A nation, clad in sable weeds,
The dark habiliments of grief;
A nation famed for matchless deeds,
Weeps for a father and a chief.
The dark habiliments of grief;
A nation famed for matchless deeds,
Weeps for a father and a chief.
Columbia mourns, though not bereft
Of all which makes existence dear,
For blessings, joys, and hopes, are left,
Which brighten in affliction's tear.
Of all which makes existence dear,
For blessings, joys, and hopes, are left,
Which brighten in affliction's tear.
Yet still she mourns—for they are gone,
Whose wisdom raised her fame so high,
Whose God-like acts her name adorn
With honor that can never die;
Whose wisdom raised her fame so high,
Whose God-like acts her name adorn
With honor that can never die;
138
Who framed that bold, that dauntless chart,
Which gave a mighty empire birth,
Aroused to freedom every heart,
And spread its influence through the earth:
Which gave a mighty empire birth,
Aroused to freedom every heart,
And spread its influence through the earth:
Who in her service labored, both,
And asked no recompense but this,
To watch her greatness in its growth,
Promote her fame, and share her bliss.
And asked no recompense but this,
To watch her greatness in its growth,
Promote her fame, and share her bliss.
And Heaven vouchsafed to grant the boon
'Till half a century had passed,
Until her sun had reached its noon,
There to be fixed while time shall last.
'Till half a century had passed,
Until her sun had reached its noon,
There to be fixed while time shall last.
Then burst with joy, their mighty hearts,
And set their raptured spirits free,
So Sol, in flood of light, departs,
And sets in glory's dazzling sea.
And set their raptured spirits free,
So Sol, in flood of light, departs,
And sets in glory's dazzling sea.
In peace the reverend sages slept,
Adorned with honors, crowned with years,
And angels smiled, while nature wept,
A silvery shower of sparkling tears.
Adorned with honors, crowned with years,
And angels smiled, while nature wept,
A silvery shower of sparkling tears.
Then, freemen, mourn—but not as those
Whose hopes are laid beneath the sod,
For your lamented chiefs repose
Upon the bosom of their God.
Whose hopes are laid beneath the sod,
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Upon the bosom of their God.
Mourn for the worth which all admired,
Now crowned with heavenly diadem,
And be with emulation fired
To live, to act, to die, like them.
Now crowned with heavenly diadem,
And be with emulation fired
To live, to act, to die, like them.
A MONODY,
ON THE DEATHS OF THE EX-PRESIDENTS, JOHN ADAMS, AND THOMAS JEFFERSON, JULY 4, 1826.
The mid-day peal of joy had rung,
When Sol, in his car of glory,
A radiant glance from the zenith flung,
On a spot far-famed in story.
When Sol, in his car of glory,
A radiant glance from the zenith flung,
On a spot far-famed in story.
He gazed on the scene, but sought in vain
For that band of patriot sages,
Whose deathless names alone remain,
Emblazoned on History's pages.
For that band of patriot sages,
Whose deathless names alone remain,
Emblazoned on History's pages.
All, all were gone, but the Godlike THREE
Revered by a grateful nation,
And they were our Adams, our Carroll, and HE
Who drafted the Declaration.
Revered by a grateful nation,
And they were our Adams, our Carroll, and HE
Who drafted the Declaration.
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He thought of the time, when in deep despair,
Columbia's troops were receding,
For millions were now rejoicing where
Her heroes then lay bleeding!
Columbia's troops were receding,
For millions were now rejoicing where
Her heroes then lay bleeding!
“'T is done!” he cried, “and this jubilee
Shall long be remembered in story,
For TWO of the patriot Godlike THREE,
Shall depart in this blaze of glory.”
Shall long be remembered in story,
For TWO of the patriot Godlike THREE,
Shall depart in this blaze of glory.”
He said, and amid the joy and mirth,
(For the mandate had been given,)
The spirit of Jefferson rose from earth,
To meet its reward in heaven.
(For the mandate had been given,)
The spirit of Jefferson rose from earth,
To meet its reward in heaven.
He soared on high, to his place of rest,
With cherubim attendants,
And he smiling soared, for his country was blessed
With freedom and independence.
With cherubim attendants,
And he smiling soared, for his country was blessed
With freedom and independence.
One glance of love was downward cast,
Like a beam of celestial glory,
O'er Quincy's reverend sage it passed,
Renowned like himself, in story.
Like a beam of celestial glory,
O'er Quincy's reverend sage it passed,
Renowned like himself, in story.
He felt the ray, and his mighty heart
Burst with the sweet emotion,
'T was the year and the day he had prayed to depart,
In the fervor of pure devotion.
Burst with the sweet emotion,
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In the fervor of pure devotion.
Together they gained the elysium bower,
By angels received with gladness,
While Nature wept in a silvery shower,
But not with tears of sadness.
By angels received with gladness,
While Nature wept in a silvery shower,
But not with tears of sadness.
Together they toiled for their country's good,
In her darkest hour of danger,
Together the arm of oppression withstood,
Each heart to fear a stranger.
In her darkest hour of danger,
Together the arm of oppression withstood,
Each heart to fear a stranger.
Together they soared to realms of bliss,
In a world of fadeless splendor;
Together their names shall live in this
While Liberty has a defender.
In a world of fadeless splendor;
Together their names shall live in this
While Liberty has a defender.
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THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.
O'er regal domes, renowned in story,
The trinal banner proudly waves,
And France resumes the march of glory,
Her gallant sons no longer slaves.
With tyrants vainly had they pleaded,
But when the press in thunder spoke,
It burst their chains with lightning stroke,
And peace and liberty succeeded.
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
The trinal banner proudly waves,
And France resumes the march of glory,
Her gallant sons no longer slaves.
With tyrants vainly had they pleaded,
But when the press in thunder spoke,
It burst their chains with lightning stroke,
And peace and liberty succeeded.
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
All hail! renowned chivalric nation!
Land of the olive and the vine!
Inspired with kindred emulation,
Our bosoms glow with joy like thine!
Columbia's grateful sons can never
Forget, that in her darkest hour,
She owed to Gallia's arm, the power
To disenthrall her press for ever.
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
Land of the olive and the vine!
Inspired with kindred emulation,
Our bosoms glow with joy like thine!
Columbia's grateful sons can never
Forget, that in her darkest hour,
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To disenthrall her press for ever.
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
The day which saw the sceptre shivered,
And hailed Columbia truly free,
From every hireling foe delivered,
We consecrate to joy and thee.
For tyrants tremble now before thee,
And a free press, the beacon light
That burst upon Oppression's night,
Has spread eternal glory o'er thee.
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
And hailed Columbia truly free,
From every hireling foe delivered,
We consecrate to joy and thee.
For tyrants tremble now before thee,
And a free press, the beacon light
That burst upon Oppression's night,
Has spread eternal glory o'er thee.
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
Thy chartered rights, with lawless daring,
Beneath oppressors' feet were trod,
Till startled despots heard, despairing,
The people's voice, the voice of God!
Their sovereign will was loudly spoken;
The press proclaimed it to the world!
Till Freedom's ensign waved unfurled,
And Gallia's galling chains were broken!
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
Beneath oppressors' feet were trod,
Till startled despots heard, despairing,
The people's voice, the voice of God!
Their sovereign will was loudly spoken;
The press proclaimed it to the world!
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And Gallia's galling chains were broken!
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
Thy gallant band of youthful heroes,
Roused by their bleeding country's prayers,
Undaunted hurled on ruthless Neros,
The vengeance due to crimes like theirs!
Too late they see their fatal error,
Their hireling guards by thousands fall,
The press resigns its types for ball,
And despots fly the scene in terror!
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
Roused by their bleeding country's prayers,
Undaunted hurled on ruthless Neros,
The vengeance due to crimes like theirs!
Too late they see their fatal error,
Their hireling guards by thousands fall,
The press resigns its types for ball,
And despots fly the scene in terror!
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
Their deeds shall live in deathless story,
And song preserve their chaplets green;
Yet still the brightest rays of glory
Circle one Godlike brow serene.
'T is his whose youthful valor aided
Columbia's cause, when hostile bands
Were laying waste her fairest lands,
And all her blooming hopes had faded!
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
And song preserve their chaplets green;
Yet still the brightest rays of glory
Circle one Godlike brow serene.
'T is his whose youthful valor aided
Columbia's cause, when hostile bands
Were laying waste her fairest lands,
And all her blooming hopes had faded!
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To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
Immortal Lafayette! we hail thee,
The friend of equal rights on earth,
Though servile tools of kings assail thee,
Columbia knows and owns thy worth.
Thou first of heroes, best of sages,
The glorious chaplet thou hast won,
Disciple of our Washington,
Shall bloom, like his, for endless ages.
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
The friend of equal rights on earth,
Though servile tools of kings assail thee,
Columbia knows and owns thy worth.
Thou first of heroes, best of sages,
The glorious chaplet thou hast won,
Disciple of our Washington,
Shall bloom, like his, for endless ages.
Then swell the choral strain
To hail the blessed decree!
Rejoice! rejoice! the press shall reign,
And all the world be free!
This event was celebrated, in New York, on the 26th of November, 1830. The following ode (to the air of the Marsellaise Hymn) was printed during the procession, and distributed among the crowd, from a moveable stage.
THE EXILED HARPER.
“Friendless exile! old and hoary,
Banish sorrow and complaint,
Wake thy harp to Erin's glory,
Sing the lay of Erin's saint.”
Banish sorrow and complaint,
Wake thy harp to Erin's glory,
Sing the lay of Erin's saint.”
'T was Saint Patrick's festal morning,
When I met the man of grief;
On his cheek the tear was burning,
Withered was the shamrock's leaf.
When I met the man of grief;
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Withered was the shamrock's leaf.
“No!” exclaimed the aged stranger,
“Erin's glory is no more,
Hordes of bloody tyrants range her—
Freedom flies Hibernia's shore.
“Erin's glory is no more,
Hordes of bloody tyrants range her—
Freedom flies Hibernia's shore.
“Shackled with the yoke of Britain,
Doomed to vassalage and chains,
Be her name nor sung nor written
Till Oppression fly her plains.
Doomed to vassalage and chains,
Be her name nor sung nor written
Till Oppression fly her plains.
“Bright she shines in ancient legends,
When her sons awoke the lay;
Ere her peaceful, verdant regions
Groaned beneath ambition's sway.
When her sons awoke the lay;
Ere her peaceful, verdant regions
Groaned beneath ambition's sway.
“Ask me not to sing of glory;
For by all the griefs I bear,
By these scattered locks so hoary,
By our holy saint I swear:
For by all the griefs I bear,
By these scattered locks so hoary,
By our holy saint I swear:
“Erin's harp shall ever slumber,
Never whisper through the vale,
Never breathe a tuneful number
Pregnant with dishonor's tale.
Never whisper through the vale,
Never breathe a tuneful number
Pregnant with dishonor's tale.
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“Fallen are the chiefs of Erin,
Fallen in their country's cause,
Green their tombs are now appearing,
There her weeping daughters pause.
Fallen in their country's cause,
Green their tombs are now appearing,
There her weeping daughters pause.
“When the night-blast scours the mountains,
When it murmurs through the groves,
Mournful, by the dusky fountains,
Emmet's shade in sadness moves.
When it murmurs through the groves,
Mournful, by the dusky fountains,
Emmet's shade in sadness moves.
“See! it points to cursed Oppression!
Hark! its shrieks arrest the gale!
Hurl your thunders on aggression,
Bid our warriors fill the vale!
Hark! its shrieks arrest the gale!
Hurl your thunders on aggression,
Bid our warriors fill the vale!
“Veterans, rouse! and save your nation!
Hark! the trumpet calls to arms!”
“Stranger! calm this perturbation,
Here no martial trump alarms.”
Hark! the trumpet calls to arms!”
“Stranger! calm this perturbation,
Here no martial trump alarms.”
In his eye, where fire was beaming,
Now appeared the tear of grief—
“No,” he sighed, “I was but dreaming,
Erin groans without relief.
Now appeared the tear of grief—
“No,” he sighed, “I was but dreaming,
Erin groans without relief.
“But I'll feed the fond reflection,
Days of other months review,
Call again to recollection,
Dear companions whom I knew.
Days of other months review,
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Dear companions whom I knew.
“Now oppressed by power and violence,
Not a harpstring breathes a tone,
Wrapt in sorrow, thought, and silence,
Erin's hapless minstrel mourns.
Not a harpstring breathes a tone,
Wrapt in sorrow, thought, and silence,
Erin's hapless minstrel mourns.
“Sing of Erin's glory! madness!
Would our saint accept the lay?
No—devote to silent sadness
This our patron's festive day.”
Would our saint accept the lay?
No—devote to silent sadness
This our patron's festive day.”
THE IRISH ORPHAN.
CITIZEN.Irish maiden, whither fly you?
Whence the moisture on your cheek?
Danger here shall not come nigh you—
Tell me what, and whom, you seek.
IRISH GIRL.
Pity, sir, a hapless stranger,
Friendless on a foreign shore!
Much, alas! I fear of danger—
I'm from Erin, just come o'er.
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Where 's your kindred, friend, protector?
Sure you ventured not alone?
Had you not some kind director?
Father, brother—have you none?
IRISH GIRL.
Yes I have—I had a brother,
Once a widowed parent's stay;
Yes, alas! I had a mother
Both by fate were snatched away!
CITIZEN.
Then, an orphan, unprotected,
You have left your native isle,
To Columbia's shore directed,
Where you meet no kindred smile?
IRISH GIRL.
No—a parent, and a brother,
With me from oppression run;
Death deprived me of my mother—
Cruel Britons pressed her son.
With me from oppression run;
Death deprived me of my mother—
Cruel Britons pressed her son.
Under Freedom's banner sailing,
Just in view of Freedom's shore,
Brightning prospects Hope was hailing,
Whispering future bliss in store:
Just in view of Freedom's shore,
Brightning prospects Hope was hailing,
Whispering future bliss in store:
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When we spied the flag of Britain,
Where foreboding fancy read
Some impending evil written—
How my bosom beat with dread!
Where foreboding fancy read
Some impending evil written—
How my bosom beat with dread!
First a shot our course arrested,
Then their slaves disgraced our deck,
Fathers from their children wrested!
Son from parent's—sister's neck!
Then their slaves disgraced our deck,
Fathers from their children wrested!
Son from parent's—sister's neck!
“Spare!” I cried, “oh, spare my brother!
Spare him for a parent's sake!”
“Save! oh, save him!” cried my mother,
“Or his sister's heart will break!”
Spare him for a parent's sake!”
“Save! oh, save him!” cried my mother,
“Or his sister's heart will break!”
Smiling pirates! they but mocked us!
Laughed at fond affection's grief!
And with brutal language shocked us,
While we wept without relief!
Laughed at fond affection's grief!
And with brutal language shocked us,
While we wept without relief!
But when from us they departed,
Shrieks of anguish pierced the air!
Then my mother, broken-hearted
Fell, the victim of despair!
Shrieks of anguish pierced the air!
Then my mother, broken-hearted
Fell, the victim of despair!
Pity, then, a hapless stranger,
Friendless on a foreign shore!
Oh, protect a maid from danger,
Who for comfort looks no more.
Friendless on a foreign shore!
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Who for comfort looks no more.
CITIZEN.
Yes, fair daughter of oppression!
Exile from Hibernia's plains,
Victim of that cursed aggression
Which the flag of freedom stains:
Exile from Hibernia's plains,
Victim of that cursed aggression
Which the flag of freedom stains:
Here I swear to be thy brother;
See a sister in my wife;
Find a parent in my mother,
I'll protect thee with my life.
See a sister in my wife;
Find a parent in my mother,
I'll protect thee with my life.
BOLIVAR'S LAST WORDS.
“I pity and forgive.”
Ye powers, from each oppressor,
Preserve my country's wreath,
And if my death can bless her,
Oh, then I welcome death.
Though malice wield her scourge,
E'en when I cease to live,
Here on the grave's terrific verge,
“I pity and forgive.”
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Where tyranny had reigned,
And heard the glad hosanna
For rights our arms regained;
But now they trample on my heart,
Yet ere I cease to live,
Though in my soul I feel the smart,
“I pity and forgive.”
| The poetical works of Samuel Woodworth | |