Hamilton Fish Armstrong, ed. The Book of New York Verse. 1917. The Congratulation (abridged) By Dr. Jonathan Odell
Written on occasion of the failure of the great expectations entertained by the Americans from the presence in our waters of D’Estaing’s fleet during the years 1778 and 1779.
OY to great Congress, joy an hundred fold: The grand cajolers are themselves cajol’d! In vain has Franklin’s artifice been tried, And Louis swell’d with treachery and pride: Who reigns supreme in heav’n deception spurns, 5 And on the author’s head the mischief turns. What pains were taken to procure D’Estaing! His fleet’s dispersed, and Congress may go hang. Joy to great Congress, joy an hundred fold: The grand cajolers are themselves cajol’d! 10 Heav’n’s King sends forth the hurricane and strips Of all their glory the perfidious ships. His Ministers of Wrath the storm direct; Nor can the Prince of Air his French protect. Saint George, Saint David show’d themselves true hearts; 15 Saint Andrew and Saint Patrick topped their parts With right Eolian puffs the wind they blew; Crack went the masts; the sails to shivers flew. Such honest Saints shall never be forgot; Saint Denis and Saint Tammany, go rot. 20
