 | Britannia |  |
SCENE III.
As the drum beats, soldiers approach from different parts of the scene, and range themselves: A recruiting serjeant at their head.
He sings.
Adieu to the meadow and rake:
Our country, my boys, calls aloud for our aid;
And shall we that country forsake?
From hardships or hazards would flinch:
Let our foes then unite; we will shew them in fight,
What Britons can do at a pinch.
To join with his neighbours and sing,
“That the Brave and the Free—such, Britons, are we—
“Live but for their Country and King!”
BRITANNIA.I.
Adieu for a while to the town and its trade;Adieu to the meadow and rake:
Our country, my boys, calls aloud for our aid;
And shall we that country forsake?
6
II.
It never was known, that true hearts like our ownFrom hardships or hazards would flinch:
Let our foes then unite; we will shew them in fight,
What Britons can do at a pinch.
III.
A slave may he be, who will not agreeTo join with his neighbours and sing,
“That the Brave and the Free—such, Britons, are we—
“Live but for their Country and King!”
I with a parent's fondness view
My bold rough sons revive in you.
To such I dare my cause commend,
Born to revenge me, or defend.
Yes, each will act a Briton's part:
The plainest is the truest heart.
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