Washington

No peerage we covet, no sceptres desire, Nor gew gaws that garnish a throne; Yet Liberty loves on her own native lyre To celebrate sons of her own.

And always with rapture his virtue she sings, And exults on the morn of his birth, Who shakes every throne of despotical kings, And gives a new lesson to earth.

O, widely defuse it, ye winds as ye blow! O waft it ye waves that they fan! For the choicest of gifts that the gods can bestow Is the blessing of FREEDOM to MAN.

O WASHINGTON, hail! whom the breath of pure Fame With praises more sweet shall perfume, Than ever embalm'd or exalted a name In Macedon, Ateens, or Rome.

For Freedom say what did that foe of the Greek, Alexander, that he ro admir'd Let the foes, or the friend whom he massacred speak; Or the beautiful city he fir'd!

Ye unfetter'd Freemen examine each deed That made him renown'd and ador'd; Then mention what race by his valour was freed, Or bless'd by his sceptre or sword!

Did conquering Cesar Rome's senate obey? Did the legions disperse at a word? Did he halt or retire from a summit of sway That saving his country conferr'd?

Then, WASHINGTON, hail! whom the breath of pure Fame With praises more sweet shall perfume, Than ever embalm'd or exalted a name, In Macedon, Athens or Rome.

Did Athens, did Sparta one hero produce T' extinguish their feuds by his mind, Or prove to the free the pre-eminent use Of union to them and mankind?

Ah, no! if wise Greece but one patriot adept, One leader like ours had enjoy'd, No lover of Freedom or Science had wept For Science and Freedom destroy'd.

Then, WASHINGTON, hail! whom the breath of pure Fame With praises more sweet shall perfume Than ever embalm'd or exalted a name In Macedon, Athens, or Rome.