William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
Destruction of the Tea, 1774A
On the gently swelling flood,
Without jack or pendant flying,
Three ill-fated tea-ships rode;
On the wharf a numerous crew,
Sons of Freedom, fear forgetting,
Suddenly appeared in view.
Weapons new for warlike deed,
Towards the herbage-freighted vessels
They approached with dreadful speed.
Three bright angel-forms were seen;
This was Hampden, that was Sidney,
With fair Liberty between.
Soon the triumph shall be won;
Scarce shall setting Phœbus vanish,
Ere the deathless deed be done.”
Hatches burst and chests display’d;
Axes, hammers help afforded;
What a glorious crash they made!
Cursed weed of China’s coast;
Thus at once our fears were ended!
British rights shall ne’er be lost.
Spread your sails, and plough the wave!
Tell your masters they were dreamers
When they thought to cheat the brave.