The Providence Journal, And Town And Country Advertiser

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE GAINED.

Thus spoke our sires, Columbia's guardian band,
When war's rude tempest swept our infant land!
When hosts on hosts embattled round us pour'd,
And havoc rear'd aloft her blood-stain'd sword.
Imperial Albion all her thunders hurl'd,
And ruin hover'd o'er a rising world !
Thus spoke our sires--" Columbia shall be free!"
Approving Heaven confirm'd the bold decree;
Forth at the word a nation burst to birth,
And shot its radiant glories round the earth !
Wide and more wide the rising splendour blaz'd,
While climes admir'd, and wond'ring nations gaz'd.
" To arms! to arms!" Columbia's Hero spoke,
Like Heaven's loud peal the awful accents broke !
" Redress your wrongs! defend your ravag'd shore!
" Rouse ! rouse indignant at the Lion's roar !"
Forth from the fields th' intrepid warriors sprung,
O'er their broad breasts th'avenging weapons flung.
In each firm bosom burn'd heroic fire;
And flash'd each eye-ball with terrific fire.
Arrang'd by Vernon's Chief. the patriots join,
Form the deep column and the lengthen'd line,
Fall on the foe in fierce battalia pour,
Loud- rings the steel, and deep the engines roar;
On fire the heavens, the trembling earth in blood,
In dread suspense the awful balance stood ;
till. rich in fame, and deck'd in martial spoils
Lo ! Independence crown'd their glorious toils!