Poems Sigourney 1827/Ode on the Fiftieth Anniversary of American Independence

by Lydia Sigourney

ODE ON THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE.

Adapted to the tune of "Scots! wha ha' wi' Wallace bled."

Clime! beneath whose genial sun
Kings were quell'd, and freedom won,
Where the dust of Washington
            Sleeps in glory's bed,
Heroes from thy sylvan shade,
Changed the plough for battle blade,
Holy men for thee have pray'd,
            Patriot martyrs bled.—

Homeless Judah mourns in gloom,
Greece scarce rises from the tomb,
Rome hath shorn her eagle plume,
            Lost her conquering name,
Youthful nation of the west,
Rise! with truer greatness blest,
Sainted ones from realms of rest,
            Mark thy path to fame.—

Empire of the brave and free!—
Stretch thy sway from sea to sea,
Who shall bid thee bend the knee
            To a tyrant's throne?—
Knowledge is thine armour bright,
Liberty thy beacon-light,
God himself thy shield of might,
            Bow to Him, alone.