The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-05-01

We transfer to our columns the following sapphic
ode written by the Hon. Nathaniel Niles late of Yer
mont, at the time a resident of Norwich Conn. II
was composed on hearing of the battle of Bunker's
Hill, and the confagration of Charles.own The
words were Immediately set to music by the Rev. Mr.
Ripley, father Of the late General Ripley, who had
acquired some celebrity composer of sacred music
Ii was universally sung ia all the churches and other
places of religious worship in New England and the
Middle States throughout the Revolutionary war; II
was the avorite warsong of the puritan soldiery OF
New England as they marched to victory, and
"Bared their bold breasts
And poured their generous blood"
in defence country and freedom. Few il any writ
ngs, of any Sort during that momentous struggle, had
SO powerful an effect in awaking the most sublime
and indomitable of all kinds of courage that which
is inspired by religious confidence and devotion blend
ed with love Of liberty and of country.
THE AMERICAN HERO.
A Sapphic ODE
Why should vain mortals tremble 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
And we must all bow to the king of terrors;
Nor am l anxious, If | am prepared,
What shape he comes in.
Infinite goodness teaches US submission
Bids us be quiet under all his dealings
Never repining, but forever praising
God our Creator.
Well may we praise him; all his ways are perfect;
Though resplendence infinitely glowing,
N nm tha Uht If tails
Struck blind by lustre!
Good is Jehovah in bestowing sunshine,
Nor less his goodness in the storm and thunder,
Mercies and judgments both proceed from kindness
Infinite kindness!
o then exult that God forever reigne,h:
Clouds, which around him hinder our perception,
Bind Us the stronger to ex alt his name, and
Shout louder praises
Then to the wisdom of my Lord and Master,
| will commit all that have or wish for:
| Sweetiy as babes sleep will give my life up,
| When calPd to yiedit.
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,
l
| Wantonly burnt down.
While all their hearts quick palptate for havock,
Let slip your blood hounds, namd the British lions !;
| Dauntless as death stares nimble the whirwind
| Dreadful as demons
Let oceans wait on all your floating castles,
Fraught with destruction horrible to nature:
Then, with your sails fd 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 peopl
Quick to destruction
Still shall the banner of the King of heaven
| Never advance where I'm afraid to follow:
While that precedes me, with an open bosom,
WAR, defy thee!
| Fame and dear freedom lure me on to battle,
| While fell despot, grimmer than a deaths head,
| Stings me with serpents fercer than Medusas,
| To the encounter.
Life, for my country and the cause of freedom,
Is but trife for a worm to part with;
And if preserved in great contest,
II Life is redoubled.