The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-04-30


We transfer to our columns the following sapphlc
ode, written by the Hon Nathaniel Miles, late OF Yer
mont then a resident OF Norwich, Connecticut. u
was composed on hearing Of the battle Of Bunker
Hill and the conaagration Of Charles'own Inc
words were Immediately set TO music by the Rev. MT
Ripley, father of the late General Ripley, who mad
acquired celebrity composer of sacred music
1t universally sung in all the churches and othei
places of religious worship in New England ana the
Middle States throughout the Revolutionary war II
the avorite war-song Of tho puritan sodiery OF
New England as they marched to victory, and
"Bared their bold breasts
And poured their generous blood"
in defence Of liberty and country. Few, if any writ
ings of any Sort during that momentous struggle had
powerful an effect in awaking the most sublime
and ndomitabe of all kinds of courage; that which
blends religious confidence and devotion with love Of
country and of liberty.
THE AMERICAN HERO.
Sapphic Ode
Why should vain mortals ircmble at the sight of
Death and destruction in the field Of battle,
Where blood and carnage clothe the ground in Grim
son,
Sounding with death-groans2
Death will invade us by the means appointed
And we must all bow to the king of terrors;
Nor am anxious, if am prepared,
What shape he comes in
Infinite goodness teaches us submission
Bids US be quiet under all his dealings
Never repinlng, but forever praising
God our Creator.
Well may we praise him; all hisways are perfect;
Though resPIendence, infinitely glowing
Dazzles in glory on the sight of mortals
Struck blind by lustre
Good is Jehovah in bestowing sunshine
Nor less his goodness in the storm and thunder
Merces and Judgments both proceed from kindness
Infinite kindness!
0 then exult that God forever reisne,h
Clouds, which around him hinder our perception,
Bind US the stronger TO exult his name, and
Shout louder praises
Then to the wisdom Of my Lord and Master,
will commit all that have wish for:
Sweey as babes sleep will give my life up,
When calId to yield it.
Now, Mars, dare thee, clad in smoky pillars,
Bursting from bomb Shells roaring from the cannon,
Rafting in grape-shot, like storm of hailstones,
Torturing Ether
Up the bleak heavens let the spreading flames RISE
Breaking like Etna through the smoky columns,
Low ring IKE Egyp Der the falling city,
Wantonly burnt down.
While all their hearts quick palpitate for havock,
Let slip your blood hounds, namd the British lions;
Dauntless death stares; nimblc the whirlwind;
Dreadful az demons!
Let oceans wan on all your floating castles
Fraught with destruction horrible to nature:
Then, with your sails fild by storm Of vengeance,
Bear down to battle!
From the dire caverns made by ghostly miners,
Let the explosion, dreadful as volcanoes,
Heave the broad town. with all its wealth and people,
Quick to destruction
Still shall the banner Of the King of heaven
Never advance where I'm afraid to follow:
While that preccdes me, with an open bosom,
WAR, defy thee.
Fame and dear freedom lure on TO battle,
While fell despot grimmer than deaths head,
Stings me with serpents, fercer than Medusa's,
To the encounter
Life for my country and the cause of freedom,
Is but trIfe for worm to part with;
And if preserved in great contest,
Life is redoubled