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ODE FOR THE 23D OF OCTOBER, 1792.
1
WHEN form'd by GOD's creating Hand,
This beauteous fabrick first appear'd;
Eternal Wisdom gave command,
All Nature with attention heard.
2
"Here, Ocean, roll thy swelling tide;
"Here spread thy vast Atlantic main;
"From European eyes to hide
"That Western World, which bounds thy reign."
3
Whilst Ocean kept his sacred charge,
And fair Columbia lay conceal'd;
Through Europe, Discord roam'd at large,
Till War had crimson'd every field.
4
Black Superstition's dismal night
Extinguish'd Reason's golden ray;
And Science, driven from the light,
Beneath monastic rubbish lay.
5
The Crown and Mitre, close ally'd,
Trampled whole nations to the dust;
Whilst FREEDOM, wandering far and wide,
With pure RELIGION, both were lost.
6
Then, guided by th' Almighty Hand,
COLUMBUS spread his daring sail;
Ocean receiv'd a new command,
And Zephyrs breath'd a gentle gale.
7
The Western World appear'd to view,
Her friendly arms extended wide;
Then FREEDOM o'er th' Atlantic flew,
With pure RELIGION by her side.
8
Tyrants with mortal hate pursu'd;
In vain their forces they employ;
In vain the Serpent pours his flood,
Those heaven-born Exiles to destroy.
9
"No weapon form'd against my flock
"Shall prosper," saith th' Almighty Lord;
"Their proudest threatnings thou shalt mock,
"For I will be thy shield and sword.
10
"Sweet peace and heav'nly truth shall shine
"On fair Columbia's happy ground;
"There FREEDOM and RELIGION join,
"And spread their influence all around."
CHORUS.
11
Hail! GREAT COLUMBIA! favour'd soil;
Thy fields with plenty crown thy toil;
Thy shore, the seat of growing wealth;
Thy clime the source of balmy health.
12
From thee proceeds the virtuous plan,
To vindicate the Rights of Man.
Thy fame shall spread from pole to pole,
Whilst everlasting ages roll.