Classic Poem

When at first this land I prest,
Pleasing rapture fill'd my breast;
Swains in carols sweet and free
Sung the praise of Liberty.
Now their Halcyon days are o'er;
Fled to some more happy shore.
There, from civil Discord free
Dwells the Goddess Liberty.

At Bellona's harsh alarms
Simple yeomen shine in arms,
Brother slain by brother, see!
Dreadful fruits of Liberty.
Law and order prostrate lie;
Commonwealth is all the cry.
Tho' we slaves at present be
'Tis all for glorious Liberty.

What tho' Commerce droops her head,
All her sons to deserts fled:
Let's to Clinton bow the knee;
We're secure of Liberty.
Wealth propitious swells our store;
All our Coffers running o'er;
Dollars cheap as dirt shall be.
Who wou'd not fight for Liberty?
Splendid honours I disdain:

Crowns of Kings are lin'd with Pain.
Friendship only give to me,
Social joys, and Liberty.
Let me in my humble sphere
Free from envy, free from care,
Spend the days allotted me
Blest with Peace and Liberty.