The Portland Gazette

POETRY.

From the Palladium,

Clio, or the Muse of History, to the Memory

of Gen. ISRAEL PUTNAM.

VALOUR to noblest virtue is allied.

And Honour justly is the Soldier's pride:

Which, when by deeds of bold aspiring gain'd,

Is dearer far than life itself maintain'd.

Hence, panoplied in fortitude and might,

The hardy Warrior dares the dangerous fight,

And leads the front, or chides the tardy rear.

And in the scenes most fearful, spurns at fear:

Hoping alike to merit and to claim,

If not a conquest, yet a deathless name.

So PUTNAM, in the ranks of bravery known,

As Soldier fought, and as a Leader shone;

When erst on Bunker's Heights the battle frown'd.

He formed the fort, and fenc'd the vantage ground.

While dreadful bursts of cannon rend the skies,

And all the thunders of the conflict rise,

No fears could move him, and no dangers awe,

He braved the thickest terrors of the war;

Undaunted, urg'd his men the foe to meet,

Nor, 'till o'erpower'd by numbers, would retreat;

Unvanquish'd still, unknowing how to yield,

Deliberately—not driven—he left the field:

And left It with a Character unstain'd.

A Valour proved, acknowledged, and proclaim'd

Which to his name this well earn'd record gave,

Boldest in danger—bravest of the brave.

But now—though History, on her brightest page

Fill'd with the worthies of an honour'd age,

Proud in their number to enrol his name,

Has register'd her grateful meed of fame—

Envy would blot that page, that name erase,

To insert a slanderous tale, a comment base,

And tear the laurels, blooming round his tomb.

To plant the deadly night-shade in their room.

DEARBORN, forbear! It is no proof of might,

Nor like a SOLDIER, with the dead to fight.

Forbear! for each Brave Warrior of the day

Who yet survives, will wipe the stain away,

And bring his unask'd testimony here,

That fame to rescue, ever held so dear.

Forbear! and to the injur'd name atone,

Ere History make a record of thine own.