dots-menu
×

William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.

Ode to Charlestown

HAIL! happy Charlestown! see thy lofty spire!

It rises high in spite of British ire!

From heaps of ashes see a town arise,

Which lawless fury fill’d with dismal cries:

With fire and sword, spread desolation round,

And razed each stately structure to the ground;

But, mark the good which out of evil came:

It fell, to rise to riches and to fame.

Before its face the lonely village stood,

Detach’d from Boston by the rising flood;

But now, behold, with wonder and surprise,

A noble bridge from shore to shore arise!

This work must show the ingenious artist’s skill,

And every generous breast with pleasure fill.

A star, of no small magnitude, arose,

Which spreads its cheering light where’er it goes;

From other places see its swift retreat,

Whilst rising Charlestown is its chosen seat.

Thus, doubly bless’d, with grateful hearts pursue

The things which make for peace and safety too,

And may each rising morn behold you free

From lawless power, and baneful tyranny.