University of Virginia Library

I. BRITANNIA'S SONG.

How long shall demons thus invade
The sacred rights of Reason's throne?
How long shall folly man degrade,
And wisdom, put to torture, groan?
Oh Neptune! father! rear thy head,
And listen to a daughter's grief:
Awhile forego thy wat'ry bed,
And bring Britannia's mind relief.
While nations round submit to force,
Alone 'gainst demon hosts I stand,
Watchful to stem destruction's course,
And guard the welfare of the land.
Great Neptune comes—ye fiends! away,
Ye dare not wait th' immortal frown:
Hence! hide ye from the face of day:
Ye gloat in vain on Britain's crown.