42
A cry that speared them with defeat's cold chill.
Though twice Columbia's pulse victorious stirred,
Ere twilight could her sable shield prepare,
A long derisive "British yell" was heard
To summon forth battalions of despair;
When it was only victory deferred
To even lure the "Lion" from his lair.
Though twice Columbia's pulse victorious stirred,
Ere twilight could her sable shield prepare,
A long derisive "British yell" was heard
To summon forth battalions of despair;
When it was only victory deferred
To even lure the "Lion" from his lair.
With muskets clubbed our fathers held the slope
Which midnight saw them arming for the fray,
And still they strove to keep the foe at bay;
Beside the fence they saw their comrades cope
With those who would fore'er the star of hope
Eclipse behind the slavery cloud and say:—
"Thus Monarchy subdues her rebel prey."
Although the fields were red they would not grope
But dared the "Glasgow," dared the lance, the gun;
And, founders of a nation, boldly sought
On Prospect's brow the rest so nobly won,
While other lands the blessed tidings caught
Of daring deeds by "mere provincials" done,
And marveled at the skill with which they fought.
Which midnight saw them arming for the fray,
And still they strove to keep the foe at bay;
Beside the fence they saw their comrades cope
With those who would fore'er the star of hope
Eclipse behind the slavery cloud and say:—
"Thus Monarchy subdues her rebel prey."
Although the fields were red they would not grope
But dared the "Glasgow," dared the lance, the gun;
And, founders of a nation, boldly sought
On Prospect's brow the rest so nobly won,
While other lands the blessed tidings caught
Of daring deeds by "mere provincials" done,
And marveled at the skill with which they fought.
