Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.

Ode on the Anniversary of American Independence—1787

STILL does reluctant Peace refuse,

Though courted by each liberal mind,

To shed on us her heavenly dews,

And heal the madness of mankind.

Shall this auspicious day once more

Hang gloomy o’er each freeborn son,

And Discord render vain that power

Which Columbia’s chieftains won.

O! no, in yonder pregnant sky,

Whence all our hopes and blessings spring,

Still glorious scenes expanded lie,

And future grandeur’s on the wing.

Ye nations, hear, whose mad excess

No limits, no restrictions knows;

Ere long Columbia shall be bless’d,

And rise superior to her foes.

In every vale she’ll smile serene,

Freedom’s bright star more splendid rise;

Fresh joys shall add to every scene,

Her brighter sun illume the skies.

Aroused from her delusive dreams,

She’ll add new strength to Concord’s chain;

We’ll banish wide these party claims,

And all unite as friends again.

Her happy sons will towering rise,

And—tyrants trembling at his nod—

She’ll bend to him who shakes the skies,

Resolved to know no other God.