Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

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

Destruction of the Tea, 1774

AS near beauteous Boston lying

On the gently swelling flood,

Without jack or pendant flying,

Three ill-fated tea-ships rode;

Just as glorious Sol was setting,

On the wharf a numerous crew,

Sons of Freedom, fear forgetting,

Suddenly appeared in view.

Armed with hammer, axe, and chisels,

Weapons new for warlike deed,

Towards the herbage-freighted vessels

They approached with dreadful speed.

O’er their heads, in lofty mid-sky,

Three bright angel-forms were seen;

This was Hampden, that was Sidney,

With fair Liberty between.

“Soon,” they cried, “your foes you’ll banish,

Soon the triumph shall be won;

Scarce shall setting Phœbus vanish,

Ere the deathless deed be done.”

Quick as thought the ships were boarded,

Hatches burst and chests display’d;

Axes, hammers help afforded;

What a glorious crash they made!

Squash into the deep descended

Cursed weed of China’s coast;

Thus at once our fears were ended!

British rights shall ne’er be lost.

Captains! once more hoist your streamers,

Spread your sails, and plough the wave!

Tell your masters they were dreamers

When they thought to cheat the brave.