Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

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

An American Song: ‘O’er fair Columbia’s awful brow’

O’ER fair Columbia’s awful brow,

Dark clouds revolving rose,

Till Truth’s bright rays dispell’d the gloom,

And recognised her foes.

In Freedom’s temple, anarchy

Had lurk’d, delusive sprite,

But patriotism rent the veil,

And dragg’d him into light.

Before the fathers of the land,

In solemn state convened,

The impious fiend was found to stand,

His many faults unscreen’d.

They bid the miscreant begone

Where night and chaos reign,

Placed Concord on Columbia’s throne,

There ever to remain.

Who dare divide us?—spurn the thought:

No diplomatic skill

With golden bribe shall e’er divide

Our government and will.

The wondering world, in mute surprise,

See Peace and Honour sway:

United, firm, sublime we’ll rise

Where Honour points the way.

Sustain’d by Freedom’s fostering hand

The rising arts shall shine,

And Science, with her flowery wreaths,

Each youthful brow entwine.

Gay Commerce, with her sails unfurl’d

Our brilliant flag displays,

Our stars shall glitter through the world

And light it with their rays.

Thy copious bowl bring, Plenty, bring,

For joy thy sons shall crown:

While we, in chorus, drink and sing

Adams and Washington.