William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
Verses: ‘The sage, whom rival nations join to praise’On Dr. Franklin shedding a tear while signing the Federal Constitution
T
Whose lengthen’d span one patriot scene displays,
Revolving, in his spacious mind, the fate
Of millions, toiling in the servile state—
With ardour grasp’d the pen to sign the plan
Which gave his country all the rights of man.
“Enough,” he cried—“my God, I ask no more—
Excuse, my friends, a tear:—I am