On American Independence, BY A PURSER, In the Navy of the United States

Hail INDEPENDENCE, more divine, Than learned Logicians can define, Or pencil'd arts pourtray; More real worth from thee doth flow, Than mines of gold could e'er bestow, Or splendid courts display.

Bright goddess of the western world, When e'er thy Ensigns are unfurl'd, Our gallant youth shall fly— Our youth, the Guardians of the fair, To thy free standard shall repair, And every foe defy.

We've broke opprossion's iron rod, And laugh'd to scorn the tyrant's nod, Determin'd to be free; This darling birthright we'll assert, Each nerve and effort will exert, To cherish the decree.

O'er vast atlantic's buoyant Main, Columbia shall her trade maintain, And sail from shore to shore; In Arts and Science shall she shine, And Virtue bless her freeborn line, 'Till time shall be no more.

Progressive shall her Navy rise, To cheek her vaunting enemies, And scourge a haughty foe: 'Tis then her courage she'll display, Strike Gallic Tyrants with dismay, And give them blow for blow.

Tho' Europe's Despots were combin'd To fetter Great Columbia's mind, And threaten'd instant death; Like rocks of adamant they'd stand, The firm supporters of the land, From whence they drew their breath.

Whilst ADAMS keeps the helm of state, And WASHINGTON the good and great, Again his foes defy; Each Patriot Hero will unite, And brave the dangers of the fight, To conquer or to die.