English poem
_The Tune_
by Hezekiah Butterworth (1839–1905)
Was the really notable part of this old-time "Ode," the favorite of village assemblies, and the inevitable practice-piece for amateur violinists. The author of the crude symphony was Deacon Janaziah (or Jazariah) Summer, of Taunton, Mass., who prepared it--music and probably words--for the semi-centennial of Simeon Dagget's Academy in 1798. The "Ode" was subsequently published in Philadelphia, and also in Albany. It was a song of the people, and sang itself through the country for fifty or sixty years, always culminating in the swift crescendo chorus and repeat--
The British yoke and Gallic chain Were urged upon our necks in vain; All haughty tyrants we disdain, And shout "Long live America!"
The average patriot did not mind it if "Columbi-ay" and "Ameri-kay" were not exactly classic orthoepy.