King Hancock sat in regal state,
And big with pride and vainly great,
.......... Address'd his rebel
crew:
"These haughty Britons soon shall yield
The boasted honors of the field,
.......... While our brave sons
pursue.
"Six thousand fighting men or more,
Protect the Carolina shore,
.......... And Freedom will
defend;
And stubborn Britons soon shall feel,
'Gainst Charleston, and hearts of steel,
.......... How vainly they
contend."
But ere he spake, in dread array,
To rebel foes, ill-fated day,
.......... The British boys
appear
Their mien with martial ardor fir'd,
And by their country's wrongs inspir'd,
.......... Shook Lincoln's
heart with fear.
See Clinton brave, serene, and great,
For mighty deeds rever'd by fate,
.......... Direct the
thund'ring fight,
While Mars, propitious god of war,
Looks down from his triumphal car
.......... With wonder and
delight.
"Clinton," he cries, "the palm is thine,
'Midst heroes thou wert born to shine
.......... A great immortal
name,
And Cornwallis' mighty deeds appear
Conspicuous each revolving year,
.......... The pledge of future
fame."
Our tars, their share of glories won,
For they among the bravest shone,
.......... Undaunted, firm, and
bold;
Whene'er engag'd, their ardor show'd
Hearts which with native valor glow'd
.......... Hearts of true
British mould.
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