Littell's Living Age/Volume 129/Issue 1671/Vain Britons, boast no longer

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Vain Britons, boast no longer, with proud indignity,
By land your conquering legions, your matchless strength by sea;
Since we, your braver sons in truth, our swords have girded on,
Huzza! huzza! huzza! huzza! for war and Washington.

Urged on by North and vengeance, your valiant champions come,
Loud bellowing, tea and treason, and George was all your theme;
But, sacrilegious as it seems, we rebels still live on,
And laugh at all your empty puffs, huzza for Washington!

Still deaf to mild entreaty, still blind to England's good,
You have, for thirty pieces, sold your country's blood;
Like Æsop's greedy cur, you'll find a shadow for your bone,
You'll find no fearless shades indeed, inspired by Washington.

Mysterious, unexampled, incomprehensible,
The blundering schemes of Britain, your folly, pride, and zeal;
Like lions though you growl and fight, mere asses you have shown,
Then you shall share the asses' fate, and drudge for Washington.

Should George, to succor Britain, to foreign realms apply,
And madly arm half Europe, yet still we would defy

Turk, Russian, Jew, and Infidel, and all those powers in one
While Hancock crowns our Senate, our camp, great Washington.

Yet think not thirst of glory unsheathes our vengeful swords
To rend our bonds asunder and cast away our cords;
'Tis heaven-born freedom fires us now, and strengthens each brave son,
From him who lowly guides the plough to godlike Washington.

Should warlike weapons fail us, disdaining slavish fears,
To swords we'll turn our ploughshares, our pruning-hooks to spears;
And rush all desp'rate on the foe, nor breathe till battle's won,
And shout and shout, America, and conquering Washington!

Fired with the great idea, our fathers' shades shall rise,
To view the stern contention the gods forsake the skies;
And Wolfe, 'mid hosts of heroes superior bending down,
Cry out with ardor for the cause, "Well done, brave Washington!"

Proud France may view with terror, and haughty Spain may fear,
Whilst every warlike nation shall court alliance here;
And George's minions humbling down dismount him from his throne,
Pay homage to America and conquering Washington!