Ann Eliza Bleecker

“ The blooming meads with deep'ning green were gay,
The birds were cheerful, nor the rustic less,
Joy on his cheek, and in his bosom peace;
Down rush'd the tawny natives from the hill,
And every place with fire and murder fill;
Arm'd with the hatchet and a flaming brand,
They soon reverse the aspect of the land:
Observe, Susanna, not a bird is there,
The tall burnt trees rise mournful in the air,
Nor man nor beast the smoking ruins explores,
And Hudson flows more solemn by those shores. ”

“ Begin our walk, but cheer the lonely way
With music, previous to the swallow's lay.
ELIZA.
My sister, cease, these hostile shades refuse
Admission to the lute or peaceful Muse;
Lo! the broad standard shades the flow'ry plain,
Nor crooks (but musquets) arm the awkward swain;
Death's heavy engines thunder thro' the vale,
And Echo but retorts the savage yell ”

“ And calls on Conquest to decide the war:
What tho' the Goddess still defers the blow,
Her arm shall soon repel th' invading foe;
Her arm unfurl our starry standard wide,
For Conquest loves to be on Freedom's side. ”