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Poem
November 15, 1824
New Hampshire Statesman
Concord, Merrimack County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
An ode celebrating the American victory and British surrender at Yorktown on October 19, 1781, written by a patriot who fought in the battle. It depicts British terror and defeat contrasted with the arrival of Liberty led by Washington and French support under Louis XVI.
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OCR Quality
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Excellent
Full Text
The following lines are from the pen of a
Poet as well as a patriot. After having con-
tributed by his sword to the capture of Corn-
wallis, he employed his pen to celebrate the
achievement.-Rich. Enq.
ODE.
On the Surrender of the British Army at
Yorktown on the 19th Oct. 1781
Written shortly after the memorable event.
Bellona's thunder rends the Western-Skies!
The din of battle shakes the troubled air!
Sounds of frantic horror rise!
Shrieks of wo and wild despair!
Through Carolina's laurel groves
Secure the prowling Briton roves,
And mocks the foe, and fate defies:
While prostate on the ground.
O'erwhelm'd with many a wound,
In agonizing pangs Rebellion gasping lies!!!
II.
See Terror stalking through th' affrighted land!
Grim Rage and fell Revenge his steps pursue!
Rapine and harpy Famine join the band;
And Murder leading on his hellish crew!
The wretched victim's dying groans,
The widow'd matron's tender moans,
The virgin's plaints, the orphan cries,
Ascend in concert to the skies!
There hollow Want in secret anguish pines,
No more relieved from Plenty's cheering
hoard,
There pale Disease the parting breath resigns.
And Desolation waves around her flaming
sword!
III.
See the the gorgon foe advance!
See him couch his quiv'ring lance!
Thine Virginia next to feel
The fatal vengeance of his steel
Thine with terror to survey
His cong'ring host in dread array
Thine beneath his power to languish,
Torn with rage, despair and anguish!
IV.
In her ear triumphant riding,
Midst ten thousand glittering spears,
Through the liquid azure gliding,
Bright eyed Liberty appears!
Crown'd with everlasting glory.
See a Chief her falchion wield!
Long rever'd in future story,
Lo a Monarch bears her shield!
Briton! Thy short triumphal course is run!
* Rebellion was at that time the only epithet
which the officers of the British Army condescended
to bestow upon the American cause,
† The immortal WASHINGTON.
‡ The once glorious and beloved, (in America at
least) but now lamented, Louis XVI of France--the
firm supporter of the ardent struggles of America
for that liberty which she has so happily attained,
and as we all hope, will maintain forever.
Poet as well as a patriot. After having con-
tributed by his sword to the capture of Corn-
wallis, he employed his pen to celebrate the
achievement.-Rich. Enq.
ODE.
On the Surrender of the British Army at
Yorktown on the 19th Oct. 1781
Written shortly after the memorable event.
Bellona's thunder rends the Western-Skies!
The din of battle shakes the troubled air!
Sounds of frantic horror rise!
Shrieks of wo and wild despair!
Through Carolina's laurel groves
Secure the prowling Briton roves,
And mocks the foe, and fate defies:
While prostate on the ground.
O'erwhelm'd with many a wound,
In agonizing pangs Rebellion gasping lies!!!
II.
See Terror stalking through th' affrighted land!
Grim Rage and fell Revenge his steps pursue!
Rapine and harpy Famine join the band;
And Murder leading on his hellish crew!
The wretched victim's dying groans,
The widow'd matron's tender moans,
The virgin's plaints, the orphan cries,
Ascend in concert to the skies!
There hollow Want in secret anguish pines,
No more relieved from Plenty's cheering
hoard,
There pale Disease the parting breath resigns.
And Desolation waves around her flaming
sword!
III.
See the the gorgon foe advance!
See him couch his quiv'ring lance!
Thine Virginia next to feel
The fatal vengeance of his steel
Thine with terror to survey
His cong'ring host in dread array
Thine beneath his power to languish,
Torn with rage, despair and anguish!
IV.
In her ear triumphant riding,
Midst ten thousand glittering spears,
Through the liquid azure gliding,
Bright eyed Liberty appears!
Crown'd with everlasting glory.
See a Chief her falchion wield!
Long rever'd in future story,
Lo a Monarch bears her shield!
Briton! Thy short triumphal course is run!
* Rebellion was at that time the only epithet
which the officers of the British Army condescended
to bestow upon the American cause,
† The immortal WASHINGTON.
‡ The once glorious and beloved, (in America at
least) but now lamented, Louis XVI of France--the
firm supporter of the ardent struggles of America
for that liberty which she has so happily attained,
and as we all hope, will maintain forever.
What sub-type of article is it?
Ode
What themes does it cover?
War Military
Liberty Independence
Patriotism
What keywords are associated?
Yorktown Surrender
British Defeat
American Victory
Washington Ode
Liberty Triumph
Cornwallis Capture
Poem Details
Title
Ode. On The Surrender Of The British Army At Yorktown On The 19th Oct. 1781
Subject
On The Surrender Of The British Army At Yorktown On The 19th Oct. 1781
Key Lines
Bellona's Thunder Rends The Western Skies!
Bright Eyed Liberty Appears!
Crown'd With Everlasting Glory.
See A Chief Her Falchion Wield!
Briton! Thy Short Triumphal Course Is Run!