Hoyt & Roberts, comps. Hoyts New Cyclopedia of Practical Quotations. 1922.
Holidays
The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore. John AdamsLetter to Mrs. Adams. July 3, 1776.
There were his young barbarians all at play There was their Dacian motherhe, their sire, Butcherd to make a Roman holiday. ByronChilde Harold. Canto IV. St. 141.
And that was the way The deuce was to pay As it always is, at the close of the day That gave us Hurray! Hurray! Hurray! (With some restrictions, the fault-finders say) That which, please God, we will keep for aye Our National Independence! Will CarletonHow We Kept the Day.
The holiest of all holidays are those Kept by ourselves in silence and apart; The secret anniversaries of the heart, When the full river of feeling overflows; The happy days unclouded to their close; The sudden joys that out of darkness start As flames from ashes; swift desires that dart Like swallows singing down each wind that blows! LongfellowHolidays. L. 1.
You sunburnt sicklemen, of August weary, Come hither from the furrow and be merry: Make holiday; your rye-straw hats put on And these fresh nymphs encounter every one In country footing. Tempest. Act IV. Sc. 1. L. 134.