William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
Home ManufacturesOn reading an invitation to the spinners to promote American manufactures.
C
Forsake the toyshop, toilets, and the balls;
Far nobler arts demand your better care,
That female worth a monument may rear:
Your mode of dress and tinsel garbs forsake,
And useful clothing for your country make,
That peace and liberty may be restored,
By easier conquest than the fatal sword:
As soon as e’er can make your own supply
May North’s fell council and a Gage defy:
Since some wise ladies, that they may be free,
Do quite avoid the epidemic tea,
Sure, in their faith we further may confide,
Since slaves to tyrants can’t in coaches ride:
The wheel, the loom, the silkworm would afford
A scene to please the peasant and the lord;
And if the ladies will their wits bestow,
’Twill soon polite and fashionable grow:
But if you can’t by other means advance,
Spin the long threads, and learn with them to dance.