William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
On the Liberties of the NationBy a Young Lady
From the New York Mercury, July 4, 1757
From the New York Mercury, July 4, 1757
W
What’s the summer, with all its gay train,
Or the plenty of autumn to those
Who have barter’d their freedom for gain!
To the love of our country succeed—
Let friendship and honour unite,
And flourish on both sides the Tweed.
Which corruption and bribery bind—
No calmness the gloom e’er can clear;
For honour’s the sun of the mind.
Place riches in lowest degree:
He’s poorest who can be a slave,
And richest, who dares to be free.
Let us think how our ancestors fell:
’Tis the rights they defended—’tis those
They bought with their blood, which we sell.