Page:The American Revolution (scriptural style).djvu/387

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COLUMBIAD. 21

And dove-lite peace, with wide extended wings. Brood o»er the land and change th' hearts of kings 5 That wars may ceafe— the earth its fabbathknow, And pure delights from heavenly fountains flow. That deathful Itrife and bloody crimes may ceafe, The whole creation wrapt in boundiefs peace; The vital fpirit purify 'd by love, With ardent tiigV'ts fhali pierce the heights above, Proud of its dignity and heavenly birth : Afpiring, foar, and iparn this planet earth! — —

On other fcenes the mufe, alas— mufl: dwell, Hatch'd by the furies, in the depths of hell 1 For other profpefts kindling fierce defire. Inflames their minds, and fcts their fouls on fire : A dreadful paufe enlu'd, when o'er the flood, Columbia's hoft in firm batalia flood. The Britilh chief, aill lur'd by third of fame, And bent on plunder, from the Ifland* came; Then pour d his thouf^nds on the neighbouring fhorf^ Rapine and murther flalk'd along before! — Flufti'd with faccefs, they ftrut along the ground. And the fa;m'd Fort triuniphanrly furround : With moving tears the foldiersbegg'd their lives : Vain th* attempt! — by ruthlels foes furpriz'd. Cowards and tyrants ne'er forgive a oe. Nor from their principles a jot will go.

Columbia's chief beheld, with tearful eyes The favage butchery, and dread farprifa! — The fjrtrefs leized, the troops difpers'd :iway, And left the chief, to mourn that'haplefs day! To the White- Plains reluctant he retir'd. His brave example a hnall band infpir'd, Hoiue follosv'd dole, and to the field he led A numerous hofl, to warlike acUcns bred :

  • Lent Island.