Excerpt from Tecumseh: Or, the Battle of the Thames, a National Drama: In Five Acts
This night a native bar unfolds a scene
That, yet, abides within the mem'ry green;
His first attempt the Thespian art to reach,
Heroic deeds through mimic life to teach.
Long had the Nation, ere to arms she rushed,
Suffered - till pity wept and virtue blush'd;
Spies round the land like gaunt Hyena's prowl'd,
While faction, like an unchain'd maniac howl'd.
Our gallant mariners - forbear the theme -
Their blood, from scourgings, dyed the ocean stream:
The savage axe was whetted for our doom,
The vandal torch was lighted to consume.
Columbia dropp'd the olive from her hand,
She grasp'd her arrows and drew forth her brand;
In awe profound, the nations from afar,
Gazed to behold her ride on Vict'ry's car.
High beat the gen'rous heart - her praises rung
From every voice that had a Freeman's tongue.
The foe, at length, humanity was taught,
And back the dove the peaceful olive brought.
Rank'd with those feats that admiration claims,
In brilliance stands "The Battle of the Thames;"
At Raisin's stream, and at Miami's flood,
Had the stern Indian glutted him with blood.
Lo! Perry's voice in startling thunder spoke,
And Johnson! soon, the savage sceptre broke:
The mighty Chief, before him, prostrate fell,
With whom expired the last appaling yell.
The West, in mourning weeds, look'd on and smil'd,
And hail'd the Champion as her first-born child.
The poet, now, will this event explore,
He craves your candor, but - asks no more.
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