William McCarty, comp. The American National Song Book. 1842.
Victory on Lake ErieF
How valiant Perry with Columbia’s crew,
With love of country fired, and love of glory,
Proud Britain’s host on Erie’s lake o’erthrew.
He, like her rocky banks,
Amidst his slaughter’d ranks
Stood firm, no fear could shake his soul;
Though streams of blood
Rush’d like a flood,
And thunders shook from pole to pole.
Deal dread destruction from the unequal foe,
The spirit of the lake sought refuge on the shore,
And for the fallen brave join’d in Columbia’s wo.
And now, the Lawrence lost,
On Erie’s bosom toss’d,
His flag alone the hero saves;
As thick as hail their shot assail,
Still round his head his flag he waves.
Now mid the astonish’d foe his course he steers,
Now dying groans—now victory’s shouts resound!
Now panic fear amidst their ranks appears!
And now Columbia’s son
The gallant fight has won;
For see, the British lion cowers;
Huzza! huzza! all hail the day!
“We have met the enemy, and they are ours!”