William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
On the Lake ExpeditionsPhilip Freneau (1752–1832)
W
Convulsive, shakes the neighbouring shore,
Alarm’d I heard the trump of war,
Saw legions join!
And such a blast, of old they blew,
When southward from St. Lawrence flew
The Indian to the English true,
Led by Burgoyne.
United now, they march again,
A land of freedom to profane
With savage yell.
For this they scour the mountain wood;
Their errand death, their object blood:
For this they stem thy subject flood,
O, stream Sorel!
Who force them back through snow and frost,
Who swell the lake with thousands lost.
Dear Freedom, say!
Who but the sons of Freedom’s land,
Prepared to meet the bloody band;
Resolved to make a gallant stand
Where lightnings play.
Their legions, led by knight and lord,
Have sworn to see the things restored
Of George the Goth:
Whose mandate, from a Vandal shore,
Impels the sail, directs the oar,
And, to extend the flames of war,
Employs them both.