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SCENE IV.
Bunkers-Hill.Gardiner,
leading up the American Army to the Engagement.
Fear not, brave soldiers, tho' their infantry,
In deep array, so far out-numbers us.
The justice of our cause, will brace each arm,
And steel the soul with fortitude; while they,
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Must fail in battle, and receive that death,
Which, in high vengeance, we prepare for them.
Let then each spirit, to the height, wound up,
Shew noble vigour, and full force this day.
For on the merit, of our swords, is plac'd,
The virgin honour, and true character,
Of this whole Continent: and one short hour,
May give complexion, to the whole event,
Fixing the judgment whether as base slaves,
We serve these masters, or more nobly live,
Free as the breeze, that on the hill-top, plays,
With these sweet fields, and tenements, our own.
Oh fellow soldiers, let this battle speak,
Dire disappointment, to the insulting foe,
Who claim, our fair possessions, and set down,
These cultur'd-farms, and bowry-hills, and plains;
As the rich prize, of certain victory
Shall we, the sons of Massachusetts,
New-Hampshire, and Connecticut; shall we
Fell back, dishonour'd, from our native plains,
Mix with the savages, and roam for food,
On western mountains, or the desart shores,
Of Canada's cold lakes? or state more vile,
Sit down, in humble vassalage, content
To till the ground for these proud conquerors?
No, fellow soldiers, let us rise this day,
Emancipate, from such ignoble fate.
And should the battle, rob us of our lives,
Late time, shall give, an ample monument,
And bid her worthies, emulate our fame.
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