 | Poems on Several Occasions |  |
164
For OUR COUNTRY. An ODE,
Adapted to Mr. Arne's Music, of Rule Britannia.
I
As Liberty, from out the sky,Held o'er our isle her scepter'd hand,
Griev'd was the goddess, breath'd a sigh,
And thus bespoke the sinking land:
Shame! inglorious race grow wise,
And Antigallicans arise.
II
In ancient time, your sires renown'd,With honest heart, and surly face,
Fought well their battles, gain'd their ground,
And scorn'd the punic Gallic race:
Shame! inglorious sons grow wise,
And Antigallicans arise.
165
III
No fopp'ries then were ap'd from France;Their language was as plain as dress:
Think on their honours, oh, advance!
And heav'n shall your endeavours bless:
Hence victorious reign, and wise,
And Antigallicans arise.
IV
Ye sacred few! who boast the name,Whose bosoms burn with patriot fire,
Hail friends of freedom! dear to fame,
And grac'd with all that gods admire!
You're transcendent, great, and wise,
Who Antigallicans arise.
V
'Tis your's to bid fair Science smile,To welcome commerce to our shore;
Teach Arts to flourish round the isle,
And Britain to itself restore:
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Who Antigallicans arise.
VI
Again shou'd curst rebellion glow,Or bold invasion spread its wing,
Then arm'd, revengeful, on the foe,
To save their country and their king;
All couragious, gen'rous, wise!
The Antigallicans shall rise.
VII
And when this globe shall melt away,The temples sink, the columns fall,
Then shall, distinguish'd as the day,
The beams of glory crown them all;
And imperial in the skies,
The Antigallicans shall rise.
| Poems on Several Occasions | |