The Rhode Island Republican

POETRY.

For the R. I. Republican,
An Emblematic Poem.
On
THE TREE OF LIBERTY.

Great grows the Tree of Liberty,
When plac'd in fertile ground,
When sound at root with richest fruit
Its bending boughs abound.

When waters flow to root below,
And brightening sun-beams shine
None can compare a tree so fair,
Such blessing to mankind,

When prun'd with care, by guards secure
From all that would invade,
Its boughs extend and much befriend,
With pleasant cooling shade.

Most dangerous Tree of Liberty
Secure from every storm,
Perpetual bloom with rich perfume,
And every potent charm.

Our great Monroe from proof we know
And patriot Tompkins too,
Will guard the Tree of Liberty,
Most faithful, firm and true.

Then with one voice make them our choice,
To watch this sacred Tree,
(Our fathers dear first planted here,)
Of glorious Liberty.

Patriots now beneath its bough
Enjoy the pleasant shade,
And bountious share its fruit so fair,
While none to make afraid.