 | [Poems by Payne in] John Howard Payne ... his life and writings |  |
325
INCLEDON'S DÉBUT IN AMERICA.
[_]
The following was written to be sung by Incledon himself. Shield made admirable music for it: whether it was sung or not, I could never learn—
J. H. P.
Hail Columbia! patriot nation!
Star of hope to the opprest!
In battle, darting desolation!
But in peace, sole ark of rest!
Star of hope to the opprest!
In battle, darting desolation!
But in peace, sole ark of rest!
Parted far from friends that lov'd him,
Torn from children he adores,—
Driv'n from those who first approv'd him
To the shelter of thy shores—
Torn from children he adores,—
Driv'n from those who first approv'd him
To the shelter of thy shores—
Shores which shar'd his youth's affection!—
Hither forc'd in age to roam—
Here, the stranger seeks protection!
The “Wandering Melodist” a home!
Hither forc'd in age to roam—
Here, the stranger seeks protection!
The “Wandering Melodist” a home!
Free as the wave your coast thus dashes,
To glory your young eagle springs!
But tho' her eye with terror flashes,
Comfort dwells beneath her wings!
To glory your young eagle springs!
But tho' her eye with terror flashes,
Comfort dwells beneath her wings!
| [Poems by Payne in] John Howard Payne ... his life and writings | |