Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

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

Impromptu

HARK, hark! o’er ocean’s subject wave,

Wafted by the enamour’d gale,

The loud chorus of the brave,

“Columbia’s sons prevail.”

List! you’ll hear our hero’s voice,

Courage breathes in every breath,—

Hull! who gives the only choice,

“Instant victory or death.”

“Rush like lightning on the foe;

Gall them with incessant fire;

Board and conquer at a blow,

Board and conquer, or expire.”

Loud and louder peals the roar,

Swift and certain is their aim;

The ocean’s red with gallant gore;

High it blazons with their fame.

Hush! a freeman’s dying groan!

Be the flag a moment furl’d,

But valour ne’er is overthrown—

He’s immortal in each world.

Warriors! smile upon your wounds!

See our Morris fight and bleed;

Your applauding country sounds,

“Love and glory are your meed.”

Shout the British lion’s fall!

Shout! the star-flag streams along!

Mercy! is the Briton’s call,

Victory! Columbia’s song.