Prime the big mortar, bid the shell aspire;

Applaud, with tiny hands, and laughing eyes,

And watch the bright destruction as it flies.

Now the fierce forges gleam with angry glare—

The windmill[78] waves his woven wings in air;

Swells the proud sail, the exulting streamers fly,

Their nimble fins unnumber'd paddles ply:

—Ye soft airs breathe, ye gentle billows waft,

And, fraught with Freedom, bear the expected Raft!

Perch'd on her back, behold the Patriot train,