The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-07-12
MISCELLANEOUS.

We transfer our columns the following Sapphic ode,
written by the Hon. Nathaniel Niles, late OF Vermont,
the time resident of Norwich Connecticut l. was com
posed on hearing of the battle of Bunkers Hl, and the
confagation OF Charestown The words were Immediately
set TO music by the Rev Mr.. Ripley father of the late
General Ripley, who had acquired some celebrity a
OF sacred music 1t was universally sung in all
the churches and other places of worship in New
England and the middle States throughout the revolution
airy II the favore war song of the Puritan sol
diery OF New England they marched victory, and
"Bared their bold breasts
And poured their generous blood"
in defence of country and freedom Few if any writings
any during that momentous struggle had power
fnl an effect in awakng the most sublime and indonbe
of all kinds of couragehat which is inspired by religious
confidence and devotion, blended with love of liberty and
of country.
We quote the above from a Montpelier (VermonD pa
per We indebted to another northern paper for the
OF the author of these striking
'.HoN. NATHANIEL NnEs-Judge Miles, the author of
the celebrated song published in last, de-
scended from of the Oldest and most respectable fam
lies of New England He removed to this State soon af
ter the revolutionary war; and settled IN Faree county
OF Orange He was distinguished for his extraordinary
Intellectual capacities, thorough scholarship, varied and
vast aainmens, particularly in the history and science
OF government During his long career, he was called
successfully TO fill almost all the posts of honor in the
gift of his fellowcitizens of the State. Mr. Niles,
believe, the first member of Congress from Vermont
after its admission into the Union and was subsequently
made Judge of the Supreme Court The State iegisla
ture had the benefit of his eoquence and his wisdom for
great number of years, either representative
member of the council He chosen several
legislation of the State and propose amendments TO the
constitution He was also chosen eector OF President
and Vice President several occasions, and gave his
vote successfully for Jefferson Madison and Monroe
The moral influence of his opinions and character was
exceedingly great 1t NAV be truly said that man has
ever died in the State of Vermont leaving behind higher
reputation for intellect, aainmens purity of character,
and usefulness of life than the Hon Nathaniel Niles,
late of West Fairlee."
THE AMERICAN HERO
sArPHIc ODE.
Why should vain mortals trembe at the sight of
Death and destruction in the field of battle,
Sounding with deah-groans
Death will invade b us by the pns appointed
Nor am anxious, if l 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--a his ways are perfect;
Though a resplendence, infinitely glowing,
Dazzies in glory on the sight of mortaIs
Struck blind by lustre!
Good is Jehovah in bestowins sunshine
Nor less his goodness in the storm and thunder;
Merces and judgments both proceed from kindness
Infinite kindness!
o, then, exut that God forever reigneth:
Clouds, which around him hinder our perception,
Bind us the stronger to exalt his name, and
Shout louder praises!
Then to the wisdom of my Lord and Master
| will commit all that have wish for.
Sweetly babes sleep will give my life up,
When caPd to yield it,
Now Mars, dare thee clad in smoky pillars
Bursting from bomb-shells, roaring from the cannon
Rattling in grapeshot like a storm of hailstones,
Torturing Ether
Up the bleak heavens let the spreading flames rise,
Breaking like dItna through the smoky columns,
Low'ring like Egypt DER the falling city,
Wantonly burnt down.
While all their hearts quick palpitate for havock,
Let slip your bloodhounds, namd the British lions;
40 thp NLhi rtlrpfI
Dreadful demons!
Let oceans wait on all your floating castles,
Fraught with destruction horrible nature;
Then, with your sails filled by a Of vengeance
Bear down to battle!
From the dire made by ghost!y miners
Let the explosion, dreadful 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 follow:
While that precedes me- with open bosom,
WAR, defy thee!
Fame and dear freedom lure me on to battles
While fell despot grimmer than deaths head,
Stngs me with serpents, tercer than Medusas,
To the encounter.
Life, for my country and the cause of freedom,
Is but a trte for a worm to part with;
And if preserved in great a contest
Life is redoubled.