Classic Poem

WRITTEN FOR THE NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK, AND SUNG THE TWENTY FIRST DECEMBER , 1805, AT THE
CELEBRATION OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FIFTH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST LANDING OF THE COLONISTS AT
PLYMOUTH.

Tune Anacreon in Heaven.
While round the full board, in festivity's glee
The sons of New England all joyous assemble,
Let us swear to live ever united and free,
That our friends may rejoice, and our enemies tremble;
For friendship carest
In each patriot breast,
Shall sweeten enjoyment, give pleasure its zest,
And the virtues approving shall sanction the plan,
Which strengthens their empire and dignifies man.

This day did our fathers, on Plymouth's bleak coast,
The corner stone place of an empire's foundation,
The mansion of freedom — of patriots the boast,
The nursery of heroes — the worlds admiration.
From them while we trace
Our illustrious race,
Their merits from mem'ry may time ne'er efface,
While the virtues approving shall sanction the plan,
Which strengthens their empire and dignifies man.

Ye sages and patriots, whom liberty fired,
The great architects of American glory,
Whose names and achievements for ages admir'd,
Shall be burnish'd by bards and be blazon'd in story.
To us, sainted sires,
Impart your own fires,
When freedom commands and when glory inspires,
While seraphs, approving, new triumphs shall plan,
And New England heroes lead victory's van.