The greatest epoch in the rounds of time,
Since hymning angels, in exalted lays,
Proclaim’d salvation to our ruin’d race,
Began the east with radiance to adorn,
And joy and gladness usher’d in the morn;
Each heart exulted, every bosom glow’d;
Great Liberty inspir’d the son’rous ode;
And while the flame through every patriot burn’d,
Responsive echo Liberty return’d.
Now sportive youths in jovial bands combin’d,