Page:Memories of Virginia.djvu/50

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Memories of Virginia


A man insensible of fear.
When Indian war became a fact,
He called "to arms" the pioneers.
They fought as one, "In England's name,"
The brave Virginia cavaliers.
Recall the Pilgrims of the James,
To mark the course of onward still !
The trail of English pioneers,
From Old Point Comfort to King's Mill.
The city now of Williamsburg,
The landmark of the onward march!
The first incorporated town,
The corner stone of royal arch.

Matthews won fruits of true success,
He stood a self-reliant man;
The guardian of the New World claim,
Who seized and held Virginia's land.
With kingly power, for "welfare" true,
With record of unblemished fame,
Defender bold of England's right,
An enemy of Cromwell's reign.
In days of the Surrender Act,
He boldly claimed: "Virginia's free;
We won our lands, we won our rights,
The price of blood and victory"!
He claimed results in New World name,
He made demands without one fear,
He stood the captain of his soul,
The brave Virginia cavalier.

He stood the leader of results,
The Captain General to '54:
Then voice and vote proclaimed the chief,
The life-elected Governor.
Through his long reign progress was sure,
Each final act his own decree;

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