Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

While venal bards attempt to sound
Thro' years remote the trump of fame,
And call the wondering nations round,
To learn some haughty conqu'ror's name,
Justice demands a purer song,
Let Freedom's sons the strain prolong.

Let such receive their country's praise,
Who Virtue's cause undaunted plead;
And such the Poet's unbought lays,
Who dare in Freedom's cause to bleed.
Justice, &c.

And live there in degenerate times
Men still to public virtue true,
Who, blushing for a nation's crimes,
Still fearless give the honour due?
Justice, &c.

Yes: should a nation prove unjust,
Nor laurels deck the patriot's head;
Genius shall shape the living bust,
And future bards his glory spread.
Justice, &c.

Justice shall far extend her reign,
And Freedom wave her banners wide;
And those immortal honours gain,
Who nobly liv'd, or nobly died.
Justice, &c.