ODE for INDEPENDENCE, 1793

Behold! the glorious day appears!— A blissful sound salutes our ears— "This happy morn gave Independence birth: Columbia, rouze! with joy supreme Dwell on the blest delightful theme. Proclaim your joy to all the wondring Earth.

All hail! thou highly favor'd land! See freedoms blessings wide expand— See smiling plenty crown thy fertile fields: For thee shall blow the gentle gales— For thee shall swell the whitening sails— To thee old Ocean his rich treasure yields.

As Arteries and Veins convey The purple tide of life, and stray In num'rous windings thro' the human frame; So thy fair rivers prove the source Of joyous plenty thro' their course, And are the life-blood of thy wealth and fame.

Lo! meek-ey'd peace, with lenient hand, Waves o'er thy plains her olive wand, And mildly bids War's rude commotions cease: While Europe's guilt-stain'd barb'rous realms A mighty sea of blood o'erwhelms, And death's vast Empire finds a swift increase.

May gratitude to Heav'n inspire Each heart with pure devotions fire, While Independence rises to the view; Columbia, venerate that power, Which cheer'd thee in thy darkest hour, And with thy joy thy songs of praise renew.

Behold! the glorious day appears— The Birth-day of revolving years— The day that gave to Independence birth: Columbians, rouze! with joy supreme Think o'er the blest, enchanting theme, And shout your transports thro' the listning Earth.