The vane, mark'd with freedom, may put us in mind,
As it varies, and flutters, and turns, with the wind,
That no faith can be plac'd in the words of our foes,
Who change as the wind of their interest blows.
Derry down, etc.
The iron clasp'd around it, so firm and so neat,
Resembles too closely their fraud and deceit,
If the outside's but guarded, they care not a pin
How rotten and hollow the heart is within.
Derry down, etc.
Then away, ye pretenders to freedom, away,
Who strive to cajole us in hopes to betray;
Leave the pole for the stroke of the lightning to sever,
And, huzzah for King George and our country forever!
Derry down, etc.
Two regiments of British troops arrived at Boston on March 5, 1768, and annoyed the people in many ways. Brawls were frequent, and by the beginning of 1770 the tension of feeling had reached the snapping point. The "Massachusetts Liberty Song" and "The British Grenadier" did not go well together.
THE BRITISH GRENADIER
Come, come fill up your glasses,
And drink a health to those
[Who carry caps and pouches],
And wear their looped clothes.
For be you Whig or Tory,
Or any mortal thing,
Be sure that you give glory
To George, our gracious King.
For if you prove rebellious,
He'll thunder in your ears
Huzza! Huzza! Huzza! Huzza!
For the British Grenadiers!
And when the wars are over,
We'll march by beat of drum,
The ladies cry "So, Ho girls,
The Grenadiers have come!
The Grenadiers who always
With love our hearts do cheer.
Then Huzza! Huzza! Huzza! Huzza!
For the British Grenadier!"
On the evening of March 5 a crowd collected near the barracks and some blows were exchanged; a sentinel in King Street knocked down a boy, and was about to be mobbed, when Captain Preston and seven privates came to his assistance. The crowd pressed upon their levelled pieces, which were suddenly discharged, killing four men and wounding seven. Crispus Attucks, a mulatto slave, was the first to fall.
[March 5, 1770]