Freedom. a Song

Ye statesmen and heroes, and patriot train, Who dwell in Columbia's thrice happy plain, Where the Goddess of Freedom her smiles sweet extends, And peace in white vestments from Heaven descends;

O tune to fair Freedom your musical lays; Let the vallies loud echo responsive your praise; Let the song of the heart and of rapture arise, And, wafted by zephyrs, ascend to the skies. Ye youths and fair maids, who trip graceful along, O swell with your voices Columbia's glad song, Where genius and beauty increasing prevail, And innocence rambles the shadowy vale. O tune to fair Freedom, &c.

Ye groves with your songsters, O join the fond strain, Ye slow plaintive murmurs which float o'er the plain, Let Hudson majestic the bass-chord resound, And streams of the hills throw their warblings around O tune to fair Freedom, &c.

With pride on her brow, once Britain arose, And sent forth her legions to damp our repose; Unfurl'd her dread banners in these smiling lands, And drew her stain'd sword to enforce her commands. O tune to fair Freedom, &c.

But Liberty here erected her throne, In garments celestial the bright Goddess shone; From Vernon's retreat, and contemplative shade, She led forth her hero, in terror arrayed. O tune to fair Freedom, &c.

The warrior's presence each bosom inspir'd, Lull'd danger in peace, and to enterprize fir'd; The blood-thirsty Britain degradingly fled, And ever-green laurels encircled his head.

O tune to fair Freedom your musical lays; Let the vallies loud echo responsive your praise; Let the song of the heart and of rapture arise, And, wafted by zephyrs, ascend to the skies.