He swore that they, with his alliance, The Stork grew hungry, longed for fish; WAR AND WASHINGTON Vain Britons, boast no longer with proud indignity, By land your conquering legions, your matchless strength at sea. Since we, your braver sons incensed, our Urged on by North and vengeance those Yet sacrilegious as it seems, we rebels still live on, And laugh at all their empty puffs, huzza for Washington. Still deaf to mild entreaties, still blind to England's good, You have for thirty pieces betrayed your country's blood. 10 Like Esop's greedy cur you'll gain a shadow for your bone, Yet find us fearful shades indeed, inspired by Washington. Mysterious! unexampled! incomprehensible! The blundering schemes of Britain their folly, pride, and zeal, Yet think not thirst of glory unsheaths our vengeful swords To rend your bands asunder, and cast away your cords. 'Tis heaven-born freedom fires us all, and strengthens each brave son, From him who humbly guides the plough, to godlike Washington. Our nobles-Heaven defend us all! Our gentry are a virtuous race, Despising earthly treasures; The ladies dress so plain indeed, No tradesman now forsakes his shop, Or takes his dealer at a hop No soaking sot forsakes his spouse 10 20 30 Our frugal taste the State secures, From hence proceeds the abundant flow No pleasure-chaises fill the streets, All gaming, tricking, swearing, lying, Happy the nation thus endowed! Your characters (with wondering stare Ha! think you so, my honest clown? 40 50 60 -Are these the triumphs of my Gallic friends? How will you ward this blow, my trusty fiends? What remedy for this unlucky job? What art shall raise the spirits of the mob? Fly swift, ye sure supporters of my realm, Ere this ill-news the rebels overwhelm. 30 Invent, say anything to make them mad; Tell them the King-No, Dev'ls are not so bad; The dogs of Congress at the king let loose; But ye, brave Dev'ls, avoid such mean abuse. |