The New York Journal, And Weekly Register

POET'S CORNER
AMERICAN POETRY
ANNIVERSARY ODE
On AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE,
For the 4th of July, 1788.
By a Gentleman in Portsmouth, N. H.
Tune--In a mouldering Cave, &c. &c.

In the regions of bliss where the majesty reigns
Ten thousand bright seraphins shone;
Wing'd for flight they all stand, harps of gold in each hand,
When a voice issu'd mild from the throne;
Ye pow'rs and dominions! bright guardians of realms!
Whose way Europe's sons have sever'd!
Eastern monarchs no more your aid shall implore,
To the West all your cares be transferr'd.

That Vine which from Egypt to Canaan I bro't,
With an outstretch'd, omnipotent arm,
In America's soil, from Britannia's bleak isle,
Shall flourish, and brave ev'ry storm.

In vain Persecution her wheel shall prepare;
The Tyrant, his courage lift on high:
The wheel shall be broke, the scourge & the yoke
All shatter'd in pieces shall lie.

To accomplish my pleasure, a HERO I'll raise.
Unrival'd in counsel and might;
Like the prophet of old, wise, patient & bold,
Resistless as Joshua in fight.

See the plains of Columbia with banners o'er spread
Hark! the roar of the battle's begun!
Like the son of the skies, when proud rebels arise,
He drives the dire hurricane on!

Him, terrors nor treasons nor dangers shall daunt
Till his country, from bondage restor'd,
Independent & free, all her greatness shall see
Due alone to his conq'ring word.

When the thunder is o'er, & fair Peace spreads her wing,
The Chief still resplendent shall beam;
Presiding at helm, making laws for the realm;
In peace, as in war, still supreme.

Then the bright golden age shall triumphant return,
Millenium's new paradise bloom;
While from earth's distant end, their high state to attend,
All nations with transport shall come.

Hail, AMERICA, hail! the glory of lands!
To thee those high honors are given:
Thy STARS still shall blaze, till the Moon veil her rays,
And the Sun lose his pathway in heaven.