  By General Washington, on his entering the Town of Boston, at the head of the American Army, after the British troops were by his skilful approaches obliged to abandon it. Auspicious day, of happiness unmix'd! When this fair City, without blood-shed won, Receives to her sweet bosom, once again, Her free-born sons, of perseverance try'd, And noble fortitude, in deeds of arms. Now let the father meet his infant son, His virgin daughter, and long faithful spouse, And kiss away all tears, but those of joy. Now, let the ardent lover clasp his fair, New flush the red rose in her damask cheek, Light up the glad beam in her rolling eye, And bid all pain and sorrowing be gone. Oh, happy day—Shine on thou blissful sun, And not one vapour blemish thy career, Till from thy mid-day champaign, wheeling do Thou in the western ocean go to rest. O happy town—Now let thy buildings smile, Thy streets run down, with silver floods of joy, And from thy temples, loudly, hymn and song Sweep the high arches of resounding Heaven. Yes, fellow soldiers, let us bend to him Who gave us strength, and confidence of soul, To meet the Battle and fierce iron war, Urg'd on severe by the tyrannic foe, With deadly thunder, and mischievous arms. To him who with his tempest, bulg'd the deep, And their full hundred war-ships, on the bay, Chain'd, with his strong wind, to the North-east shore. The hand of Heaven, is visible in this, And we, O God, pour forth our souls in praise. O fellow soldiers, let our off'rings rise, But in true piety, and light of love, And warm devotion, in the inward part. Let your festivity be mix'd with thought, And sober judgment, on this grand event. March on, and take true pleasure to your arms, You all are bridegrooms, to fair joy to-day. |
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