William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
In Memory of James Lawrence, EsquirePhilip Freneau (17521832)
T
His native merits led the way;
His morning sun resplendent shone
Till clouds obscured the fading ray:
His country’s voice his worth confess’d,
His country’s tears disclose the rest.
Aspired to all that fame relates
Of those whom on her page we find,
Defenders of insulted states:
Of all who fought, of all who fell,
The noblest part he copied well.
With tearful eyes laments the day,
When all the worth that men adorns
One fatal moment snatch’d away!
On honour’s bed his doom he found,
In honour’s cause the deadly wound.
Who knew him best can best relate:—
A longer term the cause required
That urged him to an early fate:
But H
Knew what was right and what was best.
His mangled form, and holds it dear;
She plants her marble, while she grieves,
Where all, who read, might drop a tear.
And say, while memory calls to mind
The chief, who with our worthies shined,
Here Lawrence rests, his country’s pride,
On valour’s decks who fought and died!