Sung and Acted by a Soldier in a Military Habit, with his Firelock, &c.
In the Same Measure with a Sea Piece, Entitled the "Tempest."
—Cease, rude Boreas, blust'ring railer—
I.
You bold warriors, who resemble
Flames, upon the distant hill,
At whose view, the heroes tremble,
Fighting with unequal skill.
Loud-sounding drums now with hoarse murmurs,
Rouse the spirit up to war,
Fear not, fear not, tho' their numbers,
Much to ours, superior are.
Hear brave Warren bold commanding,
"Gallant souls and vet'rans brave,
See the enemy just landing,
From the navy-cover'd wave.
Close the wings—advance the center—
Engineers point well your guns—
Clap the matches, let the rent air,
Bellow to Britannia's sons."
II.
Now think you see, three thousand moving,
Up the brow of Bunkers-Hill,
Many a gallant vet'ran shoving,
Cowards on against their will.
The curling volumes all behind them,
Dusky clouds of smoke arise,
Our cannon-balls, brave boys shall find them,
At each shot a hero dies.
Once more Warren midst this terror,
"Charge, brave soldiers, charge again,
Many an expert vet'ran warrior
Of the enemy is slain.
Level well your charged pieces,
In direction to the town;
They shake, they shake, their lightning ceases,
That shot brought six standards down."
III.
Maids in virgin beauty blooming,
On Britannia's sea-girt isle,
Say no more your swains are coming,
Or with songs the day beguile.
For sleeping sound in death's embraces,
On their clay-cold beds they lie,
Death, grim death, alas defaces,
Youth and pleasure which must die.
"March the right wing, Gard'ner, yonder,
Take th' assailing foe in flank,
The hero's spirit lives in thunder,
Close there, sergeants, close that rank.
The conflict now doth loudly call on
Highest proof of martial skill,
Heroes shall sing of them, who fall on,
The slipp'ry brow of Bunkers-Hill."
IV.