Independence -- 1776

This bold song appeared in the Freeman's Journal, about one month previous to the Declaration of Independence, as a "Parody on an Ode published in the Town and Country Magazine," in 1774. The Tory papers of the time speak of it as a specimen of "high-born rebel melody."

Freemen! if you pant for glory,

If you sigh to live in story,

If you burn with patriot zeal;

Seize this bright auspicious hour,

Chase those venal tools of power,

Who subvert the public weal.

Huzza! Huzza! Huzza!

See Freedom her banner display!

Whilst glory and virtue your bosoms inspire,

Corruption's proud slaves shall with anguish retire.

Would traitors base with bribes beguile you,

Or with idiot scoffs revile you,

Ne'er your sacred trusts betray;

Hancock, Adams, nobly pleading,

Never from the truth receding,

Them, North's vengeance can't dismay.

See, their glorious path pursuing,

All Britannia's troops subduing,

Patriot's whom no threats restrain.

Lawless tyrants all confounding,

Future times, their praise resounding,

Shall their triumphs long maintain.