| Citation |
NHG-P.767.001
2 Jan 1767:11 (535)
We now congratulate our readers upon the New-Year, and no
doubt the good wishes are, that it may be a happy one. A
reflection or two upon the past at this time, may not be
amiss, considering the deliverances we have had, when the
most gloomy prospect appeared, that every threatened our
American lands' slavery and impending ruin shook their
baneful heads; the Stamp-Act, big with the fate of all these
colonies, was promolged here; and liberty all on tip=toe
stood ready to take her flight from these her long-possessed
happy regions:--For some time, the general consternation
struck torpid all her songs;--while the cloud thickened
round them; and as the day approached, the prospect
darkened:
The important day came on,
That like a cannon cramm'd with ball and powder,
Threatened destruction wheresoe'er it pointed;
And nothing wanting but a tame [illegible word]
To overwhelm us with distressing slavery,
And fill America with painful ruin.
Sung at length with calm reflections, and seeing all that's
dear at stake, like men struggling for life, the Sons of
Liberty rais'd their drooping heads, in favour of their
long-lov'd parent.---
. . . [19 lines]
Then shall we once more see the halcyon days we justly hope
for; once more reap the joyful harvest of peace and plenty.
May liberty restor'd successful reign,
With power unbounded, o'er th' extensive main
With wings expanded wide, now freely soar,
And unmolested stretch from shore to shore:
Beneath their pleasing dawns, and peaceful glade,
Her sons shall sit and sitting bless the shade;
Whilst chearful commerce brings and gleam of light,
That drives the gloom of dire oppression's night;
Let freedom's sons unbosom all their joy,
And in her praise their earliest songs employ,
Let all like these crown every joyful theme,
Long live galat Pitt, immortal be his fame;
Success to commerce, all uniting sing,
Long live each patriot, and God bless the King.
In praise of him let all our songs appear,
Renew his praise, as heaven renews each year.
Whilst loyal love unmov'd with noble zeal,
Flame in each heart to guard the public weal.
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