To bid the colonies as one for Independence stand,
And Adams, Franklin, Livingston, were typical of men
Who watched the march prophetic of the Jeffersonian pen,
Which wrote: "We are and ought to be" and lo! they seemed to see
A wreath of golden glory frame the magic emblem "free!"
Oh, deep the joy that stirred the brave as Philadelphia's bell
Gave forth the grateful tidings in a fervent "all is well!"
And sternest voices quivered while the laughter born of tears
Disclosed a richer cadence in the quick, triumphant cheers;
Though gazing down the vale of time, how could they then behold