A cry that speared them with defeat's cold chill.
Though twice Columbia's pulse victorious stirred,
Ere twilight could her sable shield prepare,
A long derisive "British yell" was heard
To summon forth battalions of despair;
When it was only victory deferred
To even lure the "Lion" from his lair.
With muskets clubbed our fathers held the slope
Which midnight saw them arming for the fray,
And still they strove to keep the foe at bay;