Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

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

Incitation

RISE, Queen of the West! let the standard of war,

To the foes of thy flag, be the signal of fate:

Unpinion the arms of your suffering tar—

Bid him tell the whole world that you dare to be great.

Thy voice, on the main,

Never yet spoke in vain;

And let pirates beware when it thunders again.

Then arouse! though no valour thy commerce could save;

Yet sweet are the numbers which flow for the brave.

Thine eagle, who late bold and proud of his name

Sought each realm where the hoarse din of commerce was heard,

Now droops his strong pinions, all cover’d with shame;

Insulted where once his bold flight was revered.

Where’er he is found,

While his talons are bound,

He’s defied, though it be on his own native ground.

Then to arms! naught but valour his glory can save;

And sweet are the numbers which flow for the brave.

See you not from afar—from Escurial’s towers,

How jealousy frowns on the jewel you bought?

Slumber not until Peace, renovating her powers,

Effaces the lessons which Britons have taught.

Columbians, arise!

Ere she filches your prize:

Ere the swift-footed moment of victory flies.

’Tis vigour alone, which your honour can save;

And wake the sweet numbers which flow for the brave.

Let the tempest have way: to the main let it sweep,

And convey to each dastardly robber his doom.

Let the vengeance of freemen burst o’er the blue deep,

And prepare for each foe to our commerce a tomb.

Let commotions increase,

And let war never cease,

Till thy sword from all nations has purchased a peace.

Sons of glory, then arm! ’tis your country to save,

And deserve the sweet numbers which flow for the brave.