THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE AMERICAN EPIC: A CONCISE SCENIC HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, AND OTHER SELECTED POEMS. BY A CITIZEN OF NASHVILLE. Revised and Enlarged Edition. PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR. PUBLISHING HOUSE OP THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH. BARBEE & SMITH, AGENTS, NASHVILLE, TENN. 1892. THE AMERICAN EPIC. AGAINST SECTIONAL HATRED, IN FAVOR OF TRUTH, JUSTICE, LOVE, AND FEDERAL UNITY. The facts, events, and scenes of THE AMERICAN EPIC are ar ranged in chronological order from March 11, 1704, to October 1, 1890. The characters speaking are angels and demon?, including: ANGELS. DEMONS. MICHAEL, ABDIEL, SATAN, MARS, GABRIEL, ZOPHIEL, BAAL, AZAZEL, UZZIEL, ZEPHON, MOLOCH, SERAPIS, ITHURIEL, ISRAFIEL, MAMMON, BELIAL, RAPHAEL, ZADKIEL, BELUS, ASMODEUS, AZARIAS, ARIEL. CHEMOSH, AZRAEL. COPYRIGHT, 1892. ALL UIUIITS UESEKVKD. CONTENTS. BOOK FIRST. 1764-1766. PAOB Britain from Julius Csesar to George III. William Pitt Grenville The Stamp Act America a Greater Britain Jamestown the Nursery of American Piety and Civiliza tion New England's Enterprise Virginia's Burgesses the Fir^t American Legislature All the Colonies Aroused 5 BOOK SECOND. 1766-1773. Satan's Soliloquy Pitt Prime Minister Gets Sick The Boston Massacre Royal Piety Death of Whitefleld 21 BOOK THIRD. 1773-1776. Chatham is " Junius "Boston's Tea Party The Boston Port Bill Virginia Fasts The South Feeds Boston Gagu Inclosed by a Human Wall Dunmore Driven Out of Virginia Battle of Lexington Battle of Bunker Hill British Driven from Boston Declaration of Independ ence French Offers of Arms, Ammunition, Money 44 BOOK FOURTH. 1776-1783. Revolutionary Battles from Long Island to Yorktown Suf ferings at Valley Forge Plots Against Washington Ar nold's Treason French Co-operate at Savannah At Yorktown Peace Washington Resigns His Command.. 69 BOOK FIFTH. 1787-1811. Constitutional Convention No Power to Coerce States Virginia Convention Disturbed by a Storm While Henry Speaks A Tribunate of States Desirable The Bargain between New England, Georgia, and the Carolinas Washington Inaugurated Satan's Scheme for War Be tween the States Jay's Treaty Adams President War with France Alien and Sedition Laws Jefferson Pres ident Louisiana Purchased The Embargo John Hen ry and New England Madison President 90 BOOK SIXTH. 1811-1829. War Battles from Tippecanoe to New Orleans Hartford Convention Peace An International Court to Prevent War Monroe President Missouri Compromise Florida Purchased Texas Given Away J. Q. Adams President A High Tariff Lafayette's Visit Tariff Higher 115 -(3) 443349 4 CONTENTS. BOOK SEVENTH. 1829-1860. PAGE Jackson President A Gradual Reduction of the Tariff- Van Buren's Ascendency Battle of San Jacinto Van Bu- ren President Slade's Petitions against Slavery Satan's Boast Harrison President Tyler President Texas to Be Annexed The Magnetic Telegraph Polk President Mexico Makes War Is Conquered Much of It An nexed A Tariff for Revenue Gold Discovered Taylor President Fillmore President Clay's Compromise Pierce President Satan's Cyclone Buchanan President The Dred Scott Decision John Brown at Harper's Fer ry Historic Discussion of Slavery 134 BOOK EIGHTH. 1860-1862. South Carolina Secedes Argument on the Folly of Seces sion On the Right to Secede No Troops to Coerce States A Nation's Immorality Argument on the Nature of the Union Lincoln President Battles from Fort Sumter to Fredericksburg Criticisms on Generals 158 BOOK NINTH. 1862-1864. Battles from Fredericksburg to Nashville Death of Stone wall Jackson The North Goes to the Bosom of John Brown Onward and Skyward at Lookout John H. Mor gan Georgians Banished from Their Homes as Chero- kees Were Argument against Arson Naval Conflicts. . . 181 BOOK TENTH 1864-1868. Bachman Ill-treated by Sherman's Hell-hounds Richmond Keeping the Sabbath Ford's Theater Johnson Presi dent Davis a Vicarious Sufferer Right or Wrong of Sla veryThe Guilty Retribution Cruel Treatment of Pres ident Davis Johnson Impeached Alaska Acquired Fire in Chicago Boston The North-west Retribution Black Friday Tweed Credit Mobilier Grant President. 206 BOOK ELEVENTH. 1876-1885. Centennial Exhibition Pittsburg Railroad Riots Argu ment on Arson On Labor and Capital Taxation Fi nance, etc. Hayes President Garfield President Death of Garfield Arthur President Burial of Emerson The ological Arguments 231 BOOK TWELFTH. 1885-1890. Cleveland President Reform in Civil Service Discover ies and Inventions Burial of Grant Harrison President Michael's Sublime Visions of America's Future Satan's Threats and Predictions Politics Enrich the Poor Without Impoverishing the Rich 253 DRUMMOND WELBURN, AUTHOR OF "THE AMERICAN EPIC." THE flMERICflN EPIC BOOK FIRST. Scene: Westminster Abbey. Time, early morning, March 11, 1764. MICHAEL and GABRIEL approach each other. Gabriel. Hail, faithful leader of the heavenly hosts! My loving comrade since creation's dawn ! At thy approach bright days of early years Come tripping lightly from the silent shades, Flitting with airy tread o'er memory's paths. In their light footsteps comes the grand array, The princely pomp, the brief magnificence Of hoary nations that then claimed our care. They rose, they flourished, fell, and are but dust. Michael. These are the tombs of kings and famous men ; Fortune's most flattered fav'rites molder hero. This is ambition's goal. Here ends the race For wealth, for power, for fame's green laurel-wreath. Here human greatness shows its littleness, And earthly glory ends in sordid dust. Gabriel. Yes, Michael; guilty greatness has no dreams Of heav'nly joy to cheer the sleep of death. Hope holds no vigils where the wicked rest. They will not wake to everlasting bliss, Nor stand approved before the Judge of all. Michael. To men this place is ancient. In its gloom The ghosts of solemn centuries seem near. To us 'twas but last week or yesterday That Julius Caesar first to Britain came, With conq'ring legions to subdue its tribes And to great Eome's vast empire add their home. 6 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Gabriel. True, Michael ; but since then Teutonic hordes, Danes, Scandinavians, and Scots, and Picts, And cruel Norman conquerors, have slain Unnumbered thousands here, and fertilized Their fruitful fields with blood. Yes, blood has flowed In copious streams through dreary centuries Of fratricidal strife. War's iron hoof, Trampling on civil law, has crushed in dust All sacred human rights; with impious tread Profaned all holy places. Peace perished. Religion hid in humble cottage homes. Where heavenly light still glimmered mid the gloom. Justice was outraged fled beyond the seas, And bleeding freedom followed in her train. The hand of industry was paralyzed, The wheels of progress clogged. Art languished, While star-eyed science, shudd'ring and dismayed, Took refuge in far-distant Moslem lands. Michael. But now how changed ! These happy islanders Shed no fraternal blood. Justice protects All classes : the prince, the peer, the peasant. Law, liberty, and love enthrone themselves In hearts that thrill with joyous gratitude. Ecligion kindles pure celestial fires In princely palaces, in humble homes, In gorgeous temples, and in darksome mines. Her hymns of praise ring grandly through the land, And float toward heaven on every breeze that blows. Britannia's wat'ry walls, by hearts of oak Well guarded, give calm security to Peaceful homes against all foreign nations. A native king sits on her royal throne, And hurls defiance at her every foe. lie wields his scepter over distant lands In all earth's continents. Fair, fertile isles Of all the sunny seas obey his laws. In widening streams wealth from the Indies flows To fill his coffers and extend his sway. This busy London, central mart of trade, Most active ant-hill of the human race, WEST.M I X.-STKK A BBEY. 8 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Outgrows all cities earth has ever seen. In days to come so great will be its growth That Paris, Pekin, Nankin, Jeddo, .Rome, Might all be piled in splendor on its plains, Lost in the pomp of its magnificence. How wonderful this little island world ! Gabriel. Michael, thy wisely spoken, truthful words Befit the tongue of one who long has watched The rise and fall of empires. But yesterday Blind folly aimed a blow at human rights, That soon shall echo loudly round the world. If I forecast aright, 'twill break the ties That bind Americans to England's throne, And lay in rightful, honest principles The firm foundations of a government Better than earth has ever known before. Its peaceful flag shall float triumphantly O'er sea and land through all the hemisphere Columbus found by sailing westwardly. This mighty nation, now in embryo, Shall be a " Greater Britain," which in time, By the attraction of its excellence, Shall draw admiring millions to its shores, And neighb'ring nations to its kind embrace, Till myriads of enlightened freemen join To honor law and banish tyranny. Michael. Gabriel,why should not Britain still hold sway, Guiding America with gentle hand Through peaceful paths to glory and renown ? Why should they not munificently march Together, scattering blessings round the world ? Gabriel. Michael, they should, but selfishness forbids ; A few self-centered fosterlings of hell May yet involve two continents in war, And rend the grandest empire under heaven. This nation had for its Prime Minister Wise William Pitt. His statesmanship Made no mistakes. 'Twas such as we beheld PITT ' S ADMINISTRATION. In saintly Daniel at the Persian court. He found his country fleeing from her foes, To be the prey of harpies in her home; Corruption's vermin in her ulcers fed ; No hand was raised to help her in distress. He to her rescue rushed to bring relief, ALFRED THE GREAT. And heal the fest'ring wounds from which she bled. The venal factions fled before his frown, The cringing courtiers from his shadow shrunk. His patriot voice called heroes, and they came, To marshal armies and command his fleets, Giving him victories on land and sea. 10 THE AMEKICAN EPIC. He brought the nation to the highest pitch Of unexampled grandeur and renown, And would have held the vantage he had gained Had not the youthful king, by Satan moved, Dismissed the minister whose mighty mind O'ershadowed royalty and with strong hand Heroically saved country and king Prom self-inflicted ruin and distress. Then came the pressing need of untold wealth To settle debts, and meet the urgent claims Of bold, insatiate, fawning favorites. Commerce with open hand would have paid Pitt All needed revenues, trusting his plans To pay her back again a thousand-fold, By fost'ring trade in cv'ry distant mart; But blund'ring imbeciles are in his place. Grenville proposes awkward robbery, And through the Parliament asserts a right To tax the colonists without consent, Not merely once a year, but ev'ry hour Of ev'ry busy day, the Stamp act taunts, And aggravates the honest man it robs. 'Twill hound him through the avenues of trade, Track him to legal courts with steady step, Intrude upon his happy nuptial hours, Pursue him to his solemn death-bed scene, Nor let him will his fortune to his heirs, Without this sad humiliating sign Of his own degradation in the act. Lot us away to climes beyond the waves And watch the storms that rend this mighty State. Michael. Gabriel, not now. I go at duty's call To distant Asia, where Britannia's flag Floats o'er the sunny shores of Ilindostan. It now protects the selfish sons of trade, But in the happier days of years to come One-third of Asia's children shall with joy Serve the Lord Jesus under its broad folds. A year from now that western hemisphere Shall claim attention through its vast extent. THE AMERICAN CONTINENT. 11 I will examine it from pole to pole, And from the centers of surrounding seas, On what day shall we meet? and at what place? Gabriel. Let us meet May the first, and at the place Where the first British settlement began. Til^then, farewell. But who are these we see Moving so orderly at early dawn ? Michael. "Tis the two Weslcys and their followers, Going to worship God at break of day. These are the servants of the Lord. Farewell. Scene: Jamestown, Va., May 1, 1765, at sunrise. GABRIEL and MICHAEL approach. Gabriel. Hail, Michael, of created princes chief! Please tell thy thoughts of this grand continent, And the great nation that shall flourish here. Michael. Gabriel, since last we met, this hemisphere Has been my constant study. I have seen Its boundless oceans, fertile isles, vast lakes, Broad bays, safe harbors, long peninsulas; Its lofty mountains; rich, productive vales; Its wide savannas, decked in Eden's bloom; Its tow'ring forests, lifting giant arms To prop the clouds and draw their moisture down On fruitful plains, where plenty ever smiles. Hero bounteous nature gathers ample stores To feast her ev'ry tribe that treads the ground, Or cleaves the ambient air on buoyant wing, Or glides in glory through the sparkling waves. With steadfast gaze I've watched where rippling rills On lofty mountains in the frozen north Make pathways for themselves through frowning rocks, To seek the company of limpid streams, That hasten to unite with rivulets, That gently moving claim companionship With grand, majestic rivers on their march T' assuage the burning thirst of sunny climes. Intensely interested, I have traced The mountain ranges that direct the course 12 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Of healthful currents of the atmosphere. I've seen the arctic icebergs moving down, To meet the genial warmth of tropic stream s, And lave these favored shores with waves of health. The earth, the air, the waters teem with food; Exhaustless mines of ore lift up the hills, Inviting industry to gather wealth. Internal commerce may be limitless, And claim with ease the commerce of the world. Earth's grandest seat of empire here is found. Tell me, dear Gabriel, of the men who claim This happy land and its encircling seas. Gabriel. Michael, the swarthy tribes Columbus found, Self-doomed, seem swiftly journeying to death. The white man's vices, added to their own, Hurry them downward into gaping graves, Yet a small remnant may be paved by grace. Pitt, in his day of power, subdued the French. Spain, trembling, saw her colonies submit, And must have yielded all, if England's king Had not dismissed his mighty minister. But Spain decays, and England's sons hold sway. Here is the spot where English piety First claimed this hemisphere for the most high. Here liberty and law came hand in hand To plant an Eden in the wilderness. Here holy faith and hope and love and truth And lofty honor firm foundations laid For a great nation ; noblest, grandest, best Known to the world through all its centuries. Religion here lit her first altar fires, Built her first temple on this continent, Where English hearts might worship the Great God. Here Western savages bowed suppliant knees, And meekly claimed the Saviour as their own. From this bright spot went forth with joyous smiles All human excellences, leading on All Christian graces to exalt mankind. In their fair footsteps rose on every hand Such habitations as the angels love, VIRGINIANS BRING RELIGION. 13 Having for inmates earth's most noble men, And women loveliest of all the race. From these have sprung the principles and men That are to govern this delightful land. What think you of our nascent nation now? Michael. Gabriel, I am most hopeful of its growth In all that God approves and men admire, But lead me now where I myself may see The rock on which the Plymouth pilgrims stood When they first landed in America. Was it not there that English liberty First found a home upon this continent, And English Protestants first worshiped God? Gabriel. Michael, 'tis so reported, but not so. That far-famed rock defies the howling storms That beat in fury on New England's coast, Five hundred miles away, far to the north. I knew that earth and hell had long proclaimed That Plymouth Rock was freedom's natal home, And pure religion's earliest cradle-bed, But marvel much if Heav'n has been deceived! 'Twas not in heaven that you were so informed ? I knew it could not be. Such history May have been taught at Harvard or at Yale. Those grand old schools, where wise men of the East Proclaim New England's glory and renown, May have taught this so long, so heartily That they believe it in their inmost souls; But long before the Pilgrim Fathers left The muddy shore of Holland Robert Hunt And his co-laborers had worshiped God And planted churches in this colony, Where prayer and praise and God's most holy word Drew forth the inmates of a thousand homes Whene'er a Sabbath brought relief from toil. Such happy homes earth never saw before. In them Religion wore no scowling frown, But sweetly told of love and hope and joy, While smiles of God lit with celestial rays 14 THE AMERICAN EPIC. The glowing face of Hospitality, Who stood with open door and beck'ning hand, While Plenty welcomed every joyful guest. These pioneers of English liberty, These missionaries of the faith of Christ, Had founded Churches, opened courts of law; By vote had chosen representatives To the first Legislature of the West, Established civil liberty, and won Their Indian neighbors for the Lord before The famous Mayflower sailed across the deep. Michael. Then it was not on famous Plymouth Rock Religion, liberty, and civil law Began their grand career in Western wilds ? Gabriel. No, Michael; but permit me now to say; All honor to the men of Plymouth Rock ! New England has no need of stolen fame. Ten thousand glories sparkle on her brow, Fame's greenest laurels bend above her head. Her restless industry, inventive skill, And boundless enterprise have made a world Pay tribute at her gates. Her busy hand Planted a fair and fruitful paradise, Where barren rocks and thirsty, sterile sands Frowned on a stormy coast. In distant seas She sought and found rich floating mines of wealth; Transferred the yellow treasure to her ships, And bore it safely to her busy ports. All coming generations of her sons Shall sing her well-earned praises through the world. But in this sisterhood of colonies Are others high in honor and renown. Fair Georgia, youngest of the family, Was nurtured in the lap of piety, Is heir of Oglethorpe's heroic zeal, Of Whitefield's eloquence, and Wesley's prayers. The Carolinas, wise, polite, and brave, Blend Huguenot and Scotch and English blood. New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, ANCESTORS OF AMERICANS. 15 In all the Christian virtues panoplied, Kepose in loveliness by their broad bays. Great Pennsylvania grows rich and strong With German industry and Quaker thrift. New York can boast the brave and valiant blood That drove the Spaniards from the Netherlands. These embryonic States draw vital force, Hereditary virtues, and the strength Of Christian principles from num'rous lines Of grand old ancestors. Here meet and join The Norman, Saxon, Celt, the Cavalier, The Covenanter, Eoundhead, and the Welsh ; French Huguenots, brave Irishmen and Swedes, Heroic Poles, Swiss, Germans, Hollanders All sons of liberty in union joined. ABDIEL approaches and addresses MICHAEL and GABRIEL. Abdiel. Hail, holy princes of the hosts of God! To meet you here gives unexpected joy: Your presence fills all places with delight. At your approach all anxious cares depart, Gay smiles irradiate the cheeks of time, And make them glow with dimpled, youthful charms, While gleeful gladness sports with playful hours. But now your presence is most opportune : I need instruction and enlightenment On great events transpiring in this land. Portentous gloom seems gathering around, As if preceding mighty earthquake throes. Alarming rumblings break upon the ear, And startling tremors shake the solid ground. Throughout the north, excitement rules the hour. The Stamp act rouses men to mutiny. Here order reigns. These people live at ease; In quiet dignity they dwell at home. They have no grievances to madden them, Hereditary hatreds they have not. They are the favored subjects of their king, His " Old Dominion " is their lovely land. If they demand, the Stamp act perishes, And mild conciliation rules around. 16 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Happy, unselfish, prosperous, polite, They have not hastily provoked the king; And on a simple question of finance Would freely grant him more than he would ask ; But on a point of honor or of right Their indignation flashes into wrath. They know their rights, and, brave in their defense, Would meet defiantly a world in arms; Or, moved by sympathy for other men, Their gushing blood may flow in plenteous streams. This day Virginia's House of Burgesses Convenes at Williamsburg in high debate. Ithuriel went thither yesterday To witness the proceedings of the day. Gabriel. Let us go now to see what they will do, And listen to the matchless orators. Scene : A street in Williamsburg. Afternoon of May 1, 1765. ITIIU- EIEL meeting MICHAEL, GABRIEL, and ABDIEL. Ithuriel. Comrades, I greet you with intense delight. The legislators of this colony Have tilled us with astonishment to-day. Your wisdom may inform my ignorance On the great themes discussed by statesmen here. The House of Burgesses denies the right Of Parliament to tax the colonies. They boldly and defiantly demand That the most odious Stump act be repealed. One of their orators made such a speech As shook the ground beneath King George's throne, And startled nations by its mighty force. Men shuddered as they heard the brave man say "Caesar his Brutus had, and Charles the First His CroVnwell, and George the Third " then treason Rang out loudly on the air. Defiant Stood the orator to say : " George the Third May profit by their fate." Then scornfully: " If that be treason, make the most of it." In former times such fearless words as these VIRGINIA'S MATCHLESS STATESMEN. 17 Took off the heads of those who uttered them ; But now they bring the hope of better days. You are too late to hear their great men speak, But see, they come this way. What men they are! Borne never had in her heroic times A Senate such as this. Britannia's lords Are dwarfed by these great statesmen of the West. There is George Wythe, and Richard Henry Lee, George Nicholas, and Edmund Pendleton, John Randolph, Peyton Randolph, Colonel Bland, And Carter Braxton ; and there the hero Of the present hour, bold Patrick Henry, Orator unequaled, whose thunder tones Shake kingdoms and arouse a wond'ring world. And there George Washington, grandest of men. Behold that tall, slim youth, thoughtful and grave: Too young to be a burgess at this time. That's Thomas Jefferson, whose honored name Shall echo through the ages as the friend Of equal rights against all tyranny. And there are others worthy of all praise. Ye sapient leaders of angelic hosts, Tell us what mean these movements of mankind? Will God forsake and turn against King George? Will Britain fall like Babylon or Rome ? Will God raise up a nation on these shores ? Michael. God will not utterly forsake the king And the great country over which he rules, But they will lose these prosp'rous colonies Just retribution for their many sins Against their brethren of this Western world. God will raise up a nation on these shores, And give to it the half of this round world. The western hemisphere shall be its home, But all mankind shall gladden in its smile. Humiliation is proud Albion's doom, But God has wondrous work for her to do. She and these daughters she so rashly spurns Shall long stand side by side in truth's defense, And bless the world with Christian principles. 2 18 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Gabriel. Comrades, what has been witnessed here to-day Begins a union of these colonies. The cities have been ringing muffled bells, Mourning for liberty by Britain slain. The Congress at New York with potent voice Shall call her back to life, and bid mankind Jiejoicing gather to enjoy her smile. Till then we part to go where duty calls. Scene: Trinity Church-yard, Broadway, New York, by moonlight, December 31-January /, 1766. GABRIEL, ITHUKIEL, ABUIEL, Uz- ZIEL. A clock strikes twelve. Gabriel. Another year has passed. Its hasty steps Have left deep foot-prints upon Time's rough road ; Its busy hands have forged enduring links For destiny's bright chain, binding with gold In loving union these rich colonies. Its voice has roused the sons of liberty From Southern Georgia to the coasts of Maine. Ithuriel. Brave Patrick Henry, in Virginia's name, First hurled defiance at the robber hosts Of venal lords and commons and their king. Millions, responding to his thunder tones, Caused quailing minions of despotic greed, Though backed by Britain's might and majesty, To throw up their commissions, and with haste Forsake the hateful ways of infamy. Uzziel. Here in New York the craven officer Gave to the city council his vile stamps. Thus do the people triumph o'er the king. Abdiel. Gabriel, what next ? Shall war with cruel hand Spread desolation o'er this Western world ? Gabriel. Abdiel, not yet; this law will be repealed, And but for stubborn pride and selfish greed A happy reconcilement might take place. King George means to be better than he is. If he could be a private citizen, He would appear to be a model saint, A Christian gentleman to be admired. GOOD AND BAD IN KING GEORGE. 19 He frowns on vice, is honest, truthful, chaste, Hates war, aims not at conquests, loves England ; But he thinks a king must rule : a king must Be obeyed, must overawe his subjects. With this in view, he browbeats wiser men, And those he cannot frighten tries to buy. He thinks men have their price and are for sale, From basest menials up through ev'ry rank. "Pis even whispered he will try to buy, With a poor, paltry earldom and kind words, Great William Pitt, the grandest of mankind. The king spends thirty millions annually Buying white free-born native Englishmen. That he may have more money to buy men, Inflicts the slave trade on his colonies, Tramples on law and right and common sense By taxing those he has no right to tax. The venal Parliament, like cringing slaves, Wait on his royal will for smiles, for wealth, For titles, honors, and for offices. The vilest of them all have English pride ; With fancied self-sufficiency look down On all who were not born on English ground. The wealthy nobles may not sell themselves For filthy lucre, payable in coin ; But if a farthing added to their tax Would save from ruin a whole continent, They would resist it to the last extreme, Nor pay a copper till the law compelled. The laborer may toil in agony, Till bloody sweat breaks forth from every pore; Taxes may kill him if they may escape. What if the Hindoos starve, the negroes sink Beneath old ocean's waves, in frontier homes Fair women lose their scalps, so Britain's wealth, Her glory and renown, be the result ? v Abdiel. Gabriel, there must be better men than these Or Sodom's fate would overwhelm the land. Gabriel. Yes, Abdiel, there are thousands who believe In God, in Christ, in Christian principles; 20 THE AMERICAN EPIC. But most of these so idolize their king, Their Parliament, and their own native land, That all who dare resist them are despised. The few true friends the colonies can claim, They count upon the fingers of a man. Pitt, Shelburne, Conway, Barre, and Oglethorpe, With Burke and Camdon faintly following, Compriae the names that dare to sympathize. Unthinking millions live and toil and die, Leaving their offspring following in their steps. Such is the best of human governments. Is it not time a better should arise ? Abdiel. Yes, Gabriel, this broad wilderness shall bloom, And this shall be the grandest of all lands. God sifted Europe for the best of seed, To plant a nation he will own and bless. All human excellences here shall meet Under divinest blessings from on high. Earth shall behold with wonder and delight And holy angels guard its happy homes. Let us depart each to his proper work, But see the patriots Jay and Livingston ! They've watched the old year out, the new year in. BOOK SECOND. Scene: Gambrell 's Hitt, Richmond, Fa., March 1, 1766. SATAN'S Soliloquy. Satan. Remorse ! remorse ! remorse ! Fierce, horrible, Insatiate harpy preying upon guilt. But why should I repine ? My pride forbids The useless whispering of vain regrets. If penitence could plead, 'twould plead in vain. Ruined! doomed! damned! Despairing agony Drives hence all thoughts of possible Relief. Even forgetfulness flies far, On swiftest wing, from writhing wretchedness; Pours no Lethean drop into the cup Of sinful anguish. She strews no restful Down o'er sleepless beds of sin's sad victims. Helpless! Undone forever! Bound in the (railing chains of ever black'ning darkness. Unceasing torment is my dreadful doom, And fearful looking for of fiery wrath. Just retribution ! I was first to sin. Such scenes as this, earth's fairest, brightest, best, Most comforting, give no surcease of pain. These wooded heights and this majestic stream Remind me of my days of innocence And heavenly landscapes I shall see no more. These dear, delightful homes, the blest abodes Of Adam's noblest offspring, recall to Fond and mournful memory, the blissful Joys that waited on God's angel children When first they woke to life, to light, to love On the bright morning of their natal day. Peace walks the earth in smiling loveliness; And plenty, tripping lightly in her steps, Thrills human hearts with rapturous delight. (21) 22 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Keligion, science, industry combine To elevate the families of men, That they may gladden in the smile of God, While on my vitals pent-up furies prey. Britannia sways her scepter o'er the seas, And steps from land to land in majesty, Triumphant over all her ancient foes. They seek her friendship as they dread her might. All Europe sits admiring at her feet. Old Asia rests supinely with her sons, Amid the hoary ruins of all time, In meek submission taking on the yoke Of these her latest, noblest conquerors; While helpless Africa with outstretched arms Sees from her dusky bosom her dark brood Snatched by the ruthless hand of cruelty, That Britain and New England may grow rich By trading rum for servile sons of Ham. 'Tis true the slave trade flourishes, And feasts the hungry sharks on filthy flesh Of dead and dying negroes. But ages Of most hopeless degradation have doomed The race to end in cruel deaths, lives of Despairing agony. No chance or change Makes their condition worse than that of their Long line of barb'rous ancestors. Indeed, These kindly, careful, Christian mistresses Have so emparadised their happy slaves That I must seek new marts in Orient lands For this nefarious human merchandise, Or my malicious schemes to eternize The woes of Africans will counteract My own most wily plans. The savage tribes That tread the Western wilds live peaceably. There's not a wigwam home or warlike chief But owns the potent spell of England's name. These peaceful times hang heavily upon My restless energies. The trifling sins By which the common herd of men insult Their God and wrong their fellow-men require No care of mine. I must have war. With war CONDITION OF ASIA AND EUROPE. 23 Comes all that God forbids, all man can do To injure and degrade the human race. Enter BAAL, AZAZEL, and MAMMON. All hail! my trusted, wise compeers; all hail! What of your conflicts with the hateful race Whose misery so long has been our sport ? Speak, Baal, tell us of your worthy deeds. Baal. I have been ranging through the courts of kings And other rulers of the Orient. The tycoon still permits no intercourse Between Japan and hated foreigners. Old China, with a third of all the race, Excludes outside barbarians from her shores. Their presence would, she thinks, pollute the soil Of her celestial, central, flowery land. But rulers and their subjects all are ours. Japan and China wear our weighty chains: No voice disputes our long-established sway. The Shah of Persia sees his realms decay, Submits to destiny without a sigh. So of the Turkish sultan and the sons Of Saracenic chiefs in Hindostan. The thrones of Moslem rulers tottering, And gilded scepters dropping from weak hands, Foretoken revolutions soon to come. Clive and his English merchants with strong hands Lay helpless India bleeding at their feet; But all are ours, the conq'rors and their slaves. Satan. Now, Azazel, let us hear your report. Azazel. I have been watching Europe. Cossack hordes Only await lascivious Cath'rine's word To arm by millions as she sends them forth To devastate and conquer neighb'ring lands. This huge despotic empire, like some vast Avalanche, throws its cold shadow over Two continents, threat'ning to fall upon And crush the shudd'ring nations all around. Great Frederick baffles all of Prussia's foes. 24 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Defeats have shown him paths to victory. He triumphs over kings and emperors. Fair Italy, still fettered, languishes In Austria's baleful shadow. The pontiff, Triple crowned and doubly throned on seven hills, Sits like an incubus on half the world. The Kings of Spain and France degenerate. No thoughts of statesmanship stir their dull brains. These worthless sons of Henry of Navarre Live only for their lusts and appetites. The Portuguese, the petty German States, Swiss, Belgians, Hollanders, Poles, Danes, and Swedes, Require no comments here. But Choiseui At St. Cloud watches the English closely, Hoping to see their colonies detached And lost forever to the British crown. To you, O leader of our busy hosts, I must report the writings of Rousseau, Voltaire, and other authors less conspicuous. These work a silent revolution in The minds of readers, tending to o'erthrow All confidence in God, in priest, in kings, And human government. Unbridled lusts Cast off all decency, all fear of God In those who follow these admired men. They sugar-coat or gild their mental pills With science, art, and literary taste, And schemes for elevating all mankind. Their inspiration must have come from you, Our sapient chief, or they could not have been So wondrous shrewd in helping our designs. I leave their books to you. Let Mammon speak. Satan. But suffer me to say that subjects, kings, And literati all belong to us. Yes, Mammon, I committed to your care Your clients of New England and their king, With questions of taxation and finance. You have for ages had your sovereign will Without constraint from me. I trust you still. Proceed with your report. We wait to hear. DISCONTENT OF COLONISTS. 25 Mammon. Two years have passed since Grenvillle moved the king And Parliament to tax Americans By what is called the Stamp act. Discontent Mutters and growls in every colony, As if 'twould bite the hand stretched out to seize Its treasured hoards. Lawyers and merchants prate Of rights and robberies, and utter threats Of stern resistance to tyrannic power. They say the stamps shall not be introduced, Nor even offered to indignant men. A wordy warfare everywhere prevails: All men expectant wait for bloody deeds. Satan. Mammon, enough of words. I want not words, But manly forms writhing in agony: I must have war to rouse my intellect And gratify malignant, fiendish hate. But how ? The nations dread Britannia's pow'r. They fear to strike the mistress of the sea. King George and all his cabinet love peace. They have the strength to conquer half a world, But live at ease and most ingloriously Turn from the priceless prizes they could grasp. They will not even strike these colonists, Whoso upstart boldness calls for chastisement, But prate of England's glory, her renown, Her king's prerogatives, her Parliament, Its right to tax, and how, and when, and whom. Meanwhile, by their neglect the world grows rich, The nations prosper, while earth's myriad homes Gather about them all that gladdens life. I must have war to revel in its sins, To gloat upon the miseries of men. I'll have it. These colonists are cautious: For them we wait in vain. They shed no blood. Comrades, we cross the ocean. In London Meet me two weeks from to-day. Be promptly In the House of Commons then, to make them Execute our wrathful plans of carnage. Lord Botetourt, Virginia's Governor, Is drawing near, taking his daily walk. 26 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Scene : Interior of the House of Commons. March 18, 1766. Enter SATAN, BAAL, AZAZEL, MAMMON, BELIAL. Satan. Welcome, my worthy friends ! What news have you From his most stubborn Majesty, King George? Or from his Majesty's subservient tools, The Cabinet, the Commons, and the Lords ? What of the Stamp act? Will it be repealed? Or will resistless armies subjugate Defiant and rebellious colonists ? Baal. Pacific measures suit the monarch's whim. He now proposes to repeal the Act, While Pitt, ennobled and made Earl of Chatham, Becomes Prime Minister and rules in peace. Satan. This must not be. 'Twould thwart our crafty plans, And crown the king with loving gratitude More glorious far than royal diadem Or glitt'ring gems in an imperial crown. 'Twould span the ocean with a bow of hope, Bright'ning with beauty two broad continents, Pitt must not dominate the Cabinet. His august presence and imperious will Would awe the king, control the ministry, Restrain the Parliament, and paralyze All the mischievous factions of the realm. His potent voice would hush the raging storms That shake the firm foundations of the throne, Threat'ning to crush both law and liberty. Aznzel. The colonists would hail him as their friend, And help him to save England from herself. Mammon. He at the helm would steer the ship of state To peaceful ports, and gather boundless wealth From ev'ry clime beneath the shining sun. Satan. 'Tis this I would prevent. Please tell me how. Belial. His tender toes shall feel a cruel twinge Of agonizing gout. He shall not sleep. PITT STOOPS TO AN EAliLDOM. 27 I'll shatter all his nerves, disturb his brain, And lay him on his bed in helplessness. Then his subordinates, to please the king, May tax the colonists till discontent Shall ripen to rebellion and to war. Meanwhile, to keep Americans enraged, The venal Parliament shall claim the right To tax them as it wills in any case, And in all cases whatsoever rule. So hatred shall burn on with bright'ning blaze. Satan. I thank you, Belial ; your plan shall be mine. Let us depart. To Mammon we will leave The wordy worthies of the Parliament. He knows the current price of each in gold, In empty honors, or in offices. King George, with thirty millions, year by year, Still trades in men, in high-born Englishmen: All slaves to Mammon, under his cyntrol. There enters Townshend, and there William Pitt. After to-night, Pitt in the House of Lords Stoops to an earldom and a servant's place. Come, trusty comrades, let us now retire. Scene : Windsor Castle, June 29, 1767. SATAN, BAAL, AZAZEL, MAM MON, BELUS. Satan. Companions of my grandeur and rny toils, Heirs of dominions broad and limitless, Immortal monarch s of immensity, All empires, kingdoms, principalities Fade into insignificance before Th' expanding grandeur and magnificence Of our unequalcd, glorious domains. Here is the palace of an earthly king, Clothed in the robes of human royalty, Enthroned and sceptered, ruling over men Of four great continents with sovereign sway. Among the sons of men his pow'r is great, But compared with ours less than a glow-worm's To the noonday sun's refulgent splendor. GEORGE EVERY INCH A KING. 29 Bdus. He owns more land, but is not half so great As my old Babylonian worshipers, Nor are his palaces so grand as theirs. Satan. Baal, you need not boast of Syria's kings, But tell me how your crafty plans succeed. Baal. When Chatham was again Prime Minister, I feared the very worst that could occur To counteract our bold, malignant schemes. I counterworked, with wonderful success, His efforts to secure some potent friends And allies in the north. Choiseul, of France, Outwitted the great man, which made him sick. His king distrusted him, and only wished To use him to humilfate the lords. The people loved the simple name of Pitt. When the great commoner became an earl, I taught them to be very much displeased ; But when the odious Stamp act was repealed, The colonists gave honors to his name. Charleston set up his statue, and the king Shared in great Chatham's popularity. New York set up his image, made of lead, But the soft metal can be turned to shot, For firing at his Majesty's dragoons. The cabinet, with Chatham to direct, Would have conciliated colonists, But the great earl went groaning to his couch, With shattered nerves and restless, aching head. George then, indeed, was ev'ry inch a king; King of his lords, commons, and colonists; And of his meek, subservient ministers. The lion-hearted earl might from his lair Growl, or roar loudly in impotent rage ; The meaner beasts despised his helplessness. The royal kennel holds no yelping cur, No snapping mastiff to disturb the king: All fawn upon their master. At his will They go or come, and his broad collar wear. The unregretted absence of their chief 30 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Leaves domineering Townshend to hold sway. Camden and Shelburne, Conway, Kockingham, And even pious Dartmouth yield to him. Impulsive, bold, quick, eloquent, and proud, I've used him for my fiendish purposes, So as to tax tea, paper, paints, and glass. Satan. Aha! aha! King George shall quickly find Thorns in the bed of roses where he rests. Taxation soon shall change the gleeful tunes Now sung by grateful colonists to threats Of fearful vengeance against tyranny. The smallest tax will rouse indignant men To stern resistance and to bloody deeds. Speak, Mammon, let us hear what you have done. Mammon* I have stirred up the colonists to strife About the right of Parliament to bind Them and their children through all time to come. The greedy courtiers, and the lords of trade, And all the vulgar herd who toil for wealth, I have so worked upon that to their eyes The dazzling brightness of a golden coin Outshines the noonday radiance of the sun. They'll sell their souls and heav'nly hopes for gol'i Satan. Azazel, what report have you to make? Azazel. I have inflated with such pride the king That to himself he's higher than the heavens And mightiest of all created ones. His wisdom's infinite, his right supreme, His smile can gladden earth and gild the sky. He's prouder far than all the Eastern kings, Craving your pardon : " Proud as Lucifer." The old nobility I've so puffed up That vain, hereditary honors seem Superior to all inherent worth, All excellences that belong to man. Their smallest ancient privilege o'crrides The most important rights of other men. For them and theirs they judge the world was made. TROOPS IN BOSTON. 31 Old England'8 literati I have moved To dip in gall the keenest of their pens. T' asperse the colonists with bitter words. From old Sam Johnson to young Hannah More, They all agree to hate Americans. When some explosive spark shall kindle war, All classes here will blaze with wrathful flames. Satan. Comrades, our schemes work well. If Chat ham lives And is restored to health, ho will not stoop To bandy idle words with such colleagues, Nor condescend to servo a king whose smile Approves bold Townshend's base, unfaithful act, By which his gifted premier was betrayed. This hateful Tax bill soon must separate The statesman from both king and cabinet. When the insulted great man shall withdraw, Grenville and Townshend's mercenary plans Will banish peace and send forth horrid war To walk the earth with murder in his train. King George, Queen Charlotte, and their royal babes Come this way, walking toward their place of prayer. Let us depart, and cross old ocean's waves. Scene: Boston, near Faneuil Hall, October 1, 1768. SATAN, MARS, MAMMON, BELIAL. Martial music, soldiers marching. Mars. Hark! hark! That music falls upon my car Like martial sounds from ancient centuries. It wakes within me the mysterious joy With which 1 led old Nimrod from the chase Of fierce, wild beasts to that of fiercer men. I hoar the measured tread of the well-drilled, Whose glorious trade is sanguinary war. Yes, here they march. That steady tramp recalls The grand achievements of the mighty men To whom I gave the conquering millions Of earth's early times. In memory's view Their gorgeous standards float above the heads Of empire builders going forth to war. 32 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Satan, what enemies has Britain hero Demanding such a warlike armament ? Satan. This will make foes of peaceful citizens: All signs are ominous of bloody war. Ours is the task to hurry on the fight. I shall exult to see the storm come down With lightning flashes from bright bayonets, And deep-toned thunder from the cannon's mouth ; To see red torrents of warm, flowing blood, And hear war's music in the groans of men. To me, 'twas worth ten thousand years in hell To witness one such battle as Blenheim. War's flashes gild with transitory beams The ever deep ning darkness of my chains. Mammon, what news have you about the tax, The troops, the discontent, the threats of war ? Mammon. The people will not bear taxation now; They will not use an article that's taxed. They all make common cause against the right Of Parliament to tax Americans. They use as emblems of their unity, Sacred and true, the strength of banded sticks. Soldiers at New York, in a time of peace, Asked for support from those they came to enslave. This was refused. The right to legislate Was then withdrawn from the defiant men. From north to south the country was incensed. Indignant people talked of human rights Existing ere a human law was made; Of sacred rights, God-given; and above Thrones, Legislatures, and judicial courts Bold Samuel Adams even dared to speak Of independence as the people's right. The tools of tyranny became alarmed; They asked for soldiers to protect themselves Against the unarmed friends of liberty. Belial. Dalrymplo came with two full regiments Next month two more will come to join them here. TROOPS DEMAND QUARTERS. 33 Each soldier that wo sco has sixteen rounds Of deadly ammunition to discharge. In bold bravado they march proudly hero With glitt'ring bayonets, as if to probe The heart of Boston with their shining steel. Dalrymple, in his red coat, comes this way, Followed by Samuel Adams, freedom's friend. Satan. The people are insulted by demands For quarters and provisions for the troops That come to undermine their liberty. 'Twill not be long till folly yields its fruit In mad rebellion and in bloody war. Let us depart and wait expectantly. Scene: Boston Common, by moonllglit, March 4, 1770. Enter SATAI^ BAAL, MOLOCH, MAJIMON, BELIAL, SEKAPIS, MAES. Satan. Princes, potentates, powers ! trusted, true! I seek your counsel as in league with mo Against the hateful millions of mankind. The nations still are tranquil. Earth pours forth Her plenteous harvest in the lap of peace, And joyful myriads walk in flow'ry paths. Ingloriously wo sit; while envy, hate, And malice prey upon us. Kings, courtiers, Statesmen, I in vain have tried; and wasted Upon worthless demagogues wise counsels. Now let your wisdom charm my list'ning ear, And teach me how to banish peace from men. Speak, Baal, let us hear what you propose. Baal. I still tempt men to war against the Lord, And bring his righteous judgments on themselves. Their suff'rings then fill mo with great delight. Satan. Moloch, my friend, say, what do you advise ? Moloch. With horrid superstitions is my work, My myriad victims perish day by day Along the banks of Congo, Niger, Nile, The Indus, Ganges, and the Iloang IIo; 3 34 THE AMERICAN EPIC. But Europe treats my counsels with disdain. No emperor, nor sultan, nor the king Of France or Spain or Naples listens now With satisfaction to the cries of pain And shrieks of anguish wrung from tortured men By superstition racked. Even the pope Seems to be wearied with the human groans That tell how worse than useless is the task That cruelly constrains all men to say That they will think, speak, and believe alike. Mammon, report ; say, what do you advise ? Mammon. I tempt the covetous : king, cabinet, Lords, commons, and old England's populace Combine to madden and provoke to war The colonists, who all are covetous. By persevering efforts in this lino 'Twill not be long until they fight like dogs. Satan. You once were active, ancient Serapis, Worshiped by millions on the banks of Nile. Serapis. Nor am I idle now, my worthy chief. The mighty Mississippi owned my sway, When a vile Spanish tyrant, moved by me, Slaughtered in cold blood the republicans Who tried self-government at New Orleans. I'll watch the lowlands. Spaniaixls led by me Became oppressors of the Netherlands. Satan. Mars, what have you to say ? What have you done? Mars. I've seen Lord Chatham, full of lofty pride, Hesign his place in the king's cabinet; Witnessed the death of Townshend ; seen Lord North Become Prime Minister to please the king. In England stupid weaklings now bear rule, While in the colonies the wisest guide. I saw Virginia's House of Burgesses, With dignity and unanimity, By formal resolutions take the lead, BOSTON'S SNOWY ROBES BLOODY. 35 Declaring that they never would bo taxed But by their own expressed authority. Nor should their fellow-citizens be tried But by a jury of the vicinage, Nor should a tyrant's troops be quartered there. The other colonies fall into line, Hoping to crown union with liberty. I have done nothing but await events. Satan. I have grown weary waiting for events. The king sends ammunition, soldiers, ships; Talks threat'ningly, but hangs no traitor chief. The colonists resolve, defy, make threats; Talk bravely, but carefully do nothing. Belial, 'tis yours to strike the spark that soon Shall kindle blazing flames of horrid war. These troops are not all quiet, peaceful saints, Nor all these people meek as Moses was. In spite of learning, pride, and piety, Boston still breeds among her citizens Certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, True sons of Belial, ready to your hand. Can you not artfully stir up your sons To silly actions and provoking words, By which t' enrage the rash, impatient troops Till British lead stains Boston's streets with blood Drawn from the veins of yankee patriots? Then will King George be called a murderer; And those who fall, martyrs of liberty. What say you, Belial? Can the work be done? Belial. Yes, mighty chief, it can. To-morrow night Shall see bright moonbeams playing on earth's robes Of snow-white purity, stained red with streams Of flowing human gore. Will that suffice? Satan. Yes, Belial, let the work of death begin. 'Twill fill all hearts with hatred and revenge, Providing for long years of bloody war. My trusty friends, let us be here to -see, And duly honor Belial for success. 36 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Scene: Boston sidewalk near tlie court-house, March 5, 1770. Five bleeding bodies are in sight. Crien of agony are heard from un seen wounded men. being carried away. RAPHAEL, ZEPHON, Zo- PHIEL, ARIEL. Ariel. Why all this flowing blood ? The virgin snow Is red with crimson blushes. On the air Comes agonizing cries, startling and sad, Filling the night with hoi'ror, promising A gloomy morning full of sighs and tears. Who killed these men? And why? Say, Raphael What dreadful crime caused this grave tragedy ? Raphael. The guilt of these rash murders, Ariel, Rests first on Satan, author of all sin. lie stirs the hatreds that provoke fierce wars : His restless malice has been working here. Next, on tho king and his Prime Minister. 'Tis shared in part by selfish governors, Whose cowardice led them to ask for troops ; In part by Capt. Preston and his men ; In part, by sons of Belial on the street. The thoughtful people feared such scenes as this, And longed to see the regiments removed. To-night the rabble, with insulting words, Pressed on a sentinel ; he called for help. His comrades were defied, insulted, struck. Sticks, stones, snow, rubbish flying thick and fast, Provoked the soldiery to desp'rate deeds. One fell, another had his gun knocked up; They heard themselves called lobsters, cowards, knaves, Rogues, villains, dastards, slaves who did not To use their weapons in their own defense. Then came the fatal order. At the flash, Guilty and innocent together fell. The dead and dying and the soldiery Who fired the fatal shots that laid them low Were quite too ignorant to understand Or know the cause of their most cruel strife. Untaught in ethics, law, or statesmanship, These slaves of blind resentment shoot, or fall; Yet this dark deed may sever all the tics ROYAL PIETY. 37 That bind these States to England and her king, May make of the best people in the world Most bitter enemies, though now they're friends. But there are Warren, Otis, and a crowd Of most indignant, irate citizens. They understand the questions in dispute. They say a freeman taxed without consent Is but a milder name for robbery. They will pay taxes levied by themselves Or their own chosen representatives. No act of Parliament shall confiscate The property that they have earned and saved. It was no act of Parliament that sent Their brave forefathers to this distant land. The settlers came as freemen. Protected By the common law of England and all The muniments of British liberty, They claimed their birthright as inherited. True to old England, loyal to their king, They took up arms and freely shed their blood For Britain's glory and her king's domains; With their own money fed and clothed themselves, So long as Britons found a foe to fight. Their sons will freely fight for Britain still, But not be driv'n as mercenary slaves. They say to quarter soldiers in this town In time of peace is cruel tyranny, An insult and an outrage and a farce, Ending to-night in bloody tragedy. Zophiel. How unexpected this has been to me! 'Tis but a few short years since with delight I gazed admiringly on Britain's king And on his dutiful and pious queen. The old abuses and disgraceful sins, Brought o'er the sea from Hanover, had ceased; No more was heard the drunken revelry, The oaths profane, the vulgar, ribald jests, Nor seen th' outrageous, brazen harlotry That long disgraced the royal palaces. The king and queen bowed' to the King of kings, 443349 38 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Most humbly and devoutly worshiping; While multitudes, by their example led, Paid meek devotion to the Lord most high. The royal children, early taught to pray, Won ev'ry heart that saw their loveliness. All holy angels loved to linger near, And wait upon the blissful heirs of life. From the home circle of chaste royalty Virtue and decency walked forth to bless Millions with holy, conjugal delights, In the pure homes of people of all ranks. Zeplion. I saw the fine arts yield to royalty Their grateful homage and obedience, And imitate the chaste und decent court. Handel and Haydn sent sublimest strains Of heav'nly music ringing round the world. Obscenity and folly fled away From halls of music, pure and undefiled. Beynolds and West to glowing canvas gave, In fairest features and most perfect forms, The grandest charms of manhood's majesty, And beauty's blooming loveliness unveiled, Yet brought no burning blush to virtue's check. From heathen haunts and pagan practices, The muse of poetry turned quite away, With chaste and lofty thoughts and ringing words T' inspire Johnson and Goldsmith, Bcattie, Gray, and Cowper. To good Charles Wesley gave Songs fit for seraphs near th' eternal throne, That charm the car, that thrill and melt the heart, Inspire devotion, till the classic muse Goes singing like a modest Methodist, To win for Christ the millions of mankind. Great Chatham was the king's Prime Minister, Who drove domestic discord from the land, And gave his monarch thrones in loyal hearts. Prosperity and loyalty and love, With gleeful gladness, hand in hand rejoiced. All foreign foes were vanquished and in peace. The savage Indians of the western wilds TAXATION AND BLOOD. 39 Most gladly owned King George's sovereignty. " They buried tomahawks and scalping-knives, And planted over them the tree of peace." Th' uncounted millions of old Asia's sons Began to seek protection 'neath his flag. Far distant lands and isles of cv'ry sea Waited for England's colonies and laws; But now disorder reigns. Red-handed war, With gory banners, frights the trembling land. Please tell me, Raphael, why this mournful change? Raphael. Zephon, this melancholy change has sprung From stubborn pride and greedy selfishness. When Pitt had laid the world at Britain's feet, The cost of such great triumphs must be paid. The question was, by whom? Wise statesmanship Could see broad streams of richest revenues Deep'ning their channels toward the treasury; But Pitt no longer ruled the prosp'rous land. Unlawful taxes laid on colonists, Instead of lawful taxes on themselves, Was what the king and cabinet proposed. This roused the colonists. From bad to worse The government has gone. To-night we see Most bloody fruits of selfish arrogance. The full, red harvest ripens rapidly, And fearful retribution marches on To punish Britain's pride and selfishness. Scene: Front of John Street Church, New York, with Trinity Church in view by moonlight, October 5, 1770. RAPHAEL, ARIEL, UZZIEL, ZEPIION. Raphael. The snowy robes of Boston stained with blood Of slaughtered citizens in peaceful times Drew forth our sympathies when last we met. Since then, where have you ministered? what seen? Ariel. The dwellings of the saints have been my care. I have seen many Eastern colonists, Have watched their struggles, helped them in distress, 40 THE AMERICAN EPIC. And poured celestial comforts into hearts That throbbing sunk in hopeless agony. My latest most delightful work has been By Whitefield's death-bed, and with his freed soul, His escort to the paradise of God. With work well done he rested from his toils, And like a weary child he fell asleep, Not taking time to talk of works or faith. Friends watched his latest hours, and gently laid His mortal body near the sacred desk From which he loved to tell of saving grace. Two continents seem orphaned by his death ; Their wailing lamentations now are heard. Please tell me of your labors and your cares. Raphael. The Southern sea-coasts I have visited, From far Savannah to the Chesapeake Thousands whose burning brows have felt my touch Drive off the fever fiend, and heal the wounds His fiery feet had made, rejoice to-day; And thousands more, cast down by many cares, Now lift their heads in Christian cheerfulness. Zephon, report what you have seen and done. Zephon. Along the deep, broad rivers of the West, I've sought the hunters of the wilderness And carried comfort to their rude, rough homes; JBut I beheld in Western Maryland A sight so grand 'tis worth reporting here. 'Twas in a frontier cabin. Death approached And called its brave defender to depart. The husband, father, neighbor said farewell To weeping loved ones whom he soon must leave; Then, with a shout of triumph over death, Set his firm foot upon the tyrant's neck, And with ecstatic rapture passed away To endless life, forever with the Lord. Three days of solemn, joyful mourning passed, And holy men took up their comrade's corpse. No bell was counting out his years below; But through the grand old woods rung out such sounds A CHRISTIAN'S BURIAL. 41 As none "but Christ's most holy ones could raise. Such thrilling tones, pathetic and sublime, So full of gracious fervor, could not spring From voices that had not been tuned by grace. Slowly, with measured, reverential steps, The train moved onward to the Christian's grave, Still bravely singing in heroic lays The song triumphant of victorious faith: "Rejoice for a brother deceased; Our loss is his infinite gain; A soul out of prison released, And freed from his bodily chain: With songs let us follow his flight, And mount with his spirit above, Escaped to the mansions of light, And lodged in the Eden of love." Arid. Please tell us more about those singing saints Who thus defy the keenest darts of death, And raise glad shouts of vict'ry o'er the grave. ITzziel. Ten years ago, there came to Maryland An Irishman, of lowly, humble birth. But being " born again" born from above Though poor in purse, was very rich in faith. This child of God heir of immensity Has called mankind to share his heritage. Heeding his invitation with delight, His humble neighbors sought like precious faith, Are children of their God in very deed, Crowned with divinest honor, wealth, and power. Death owns his conquerors in such as these. When Robert Strawbridge, called of God to preach, Asked for a license under Wesley's hand, 'Tvvas not believed that such a man could lay The broad foundations of the greatest Church Known to this Western world for centuries To come. But so it was. In the same year, Two other families of the same faith Came from the same green isle and landed here. Six years of modest diffidence passed by, 42 THE AMERICAN EPIC. While secret prayers ascended from their hearts. Then others came to join the holy band. Brave Barbara Heck moved Philip Embury To preach the gospel to these emigrants. At first a few, then crowds came out to hear. Soon Captain Webb came down from Albany, True soldier of the cross, with sword in hand, In his red regimentals gayly clad, ROBERT STRAWBRIDGE. Entered the pulpit, laid at Jesus' feet The glittering steel, and with a giant's strength Wielded the Holy Spirit's two-edged sword. This lowly, humble temple is the place Where these religious people meet to-night. And yet another, worthy of all praise, Has come to join them in their loving work. ANGELS AND SAINTS. He goes to wave the blazing toix'h of truth Where it first flashed upon this continent, Held in the hands of Hunt and Whitaker, Assisted by the greatest of John Smiths. "Tis Eobert Williams. He's Virginia's own. See at his side young Francis Asbury, Destined to lead the hosts of Methodism; CAPTAIN WEBB. And there is Embury, here Barbara Heck, The noblest of them all. There Captain Webb, Who lost an eye while fighting gallantly When Wolfe fell, crowned with vict'ry, at Quebec. Let us go in and worship with them here. BOOK THIRD. Scene : Hdglils of Richmond, April 3, 1773. MICHAEL, GABRIEL, ITHUKIEL. Gabriel. Hail, prince of our angelic brotherhood, Guardian of empires and great statesmen's guide, This day Virginia's burgesses have crowned, With unexampled glory and renown, This noblest of all noble commonwealths ; With reverential love and lofty pride They led their young majestic mother forth, Blooming and fair, in beauteous gracefulness, To hold her bright, impenetrable shield Between her trembling sisters and their foe. This must be " freedom's home or glory's grave." "No room is found for craven dastards here. Michael. Gabriel, your admiration is deserved ; I share it with you. But a selfish world Oft takes advantage of the generous. The time may come when those she now defends Will, quite forgetful of all gratitude, Trample flpon the compact made by States, And gather millions from the teeming North To subjugate this little, lovely town, Or sweep creation for a hireling host, To lay Virginia's beauty in the dust. lihurid. In such a case her stalwart sons would fight As men in armies never fought before. Her fairest fields they'd fertilize with blood, And send swift retribution on her foes. But I forbear to scan futurity. Foreknowledge docs not now belong to us: 'Tis with the present that we have to do. (44) CHATHAM WAS "jUJfJUS." 45 This latest action taken here to-day AVill unify and organize defense. The colonists in constant intercourse Will act in concert to resist all wrongs, Or, possibly, for independence strike. The busy printing-press gives active aid To those defending civil liberty. The "Farmer's Letters" by John Dickinson, Pour floods of light upon the public mind, And teach great truths in a most winning way. Abdiel. The pen of Junius, "keen and dipped in gall," Punctures abuses most relentlessly. But why does he conceal his skillful hand ? Who is he ? What is his own proper name ? Gabriel. Abdiel, opinions differ as to that. I only give you mine for what it's worth. One man alone can use such forceful words: But one in reputation's rich enough To be so prodigal of fame as not To claim the honor of such authorship. But one knew all the secrets he reveals, While mercilessly lashing ministers And even his most gracious Majesty. One man, and only one, could feel could make His burning words express such lofty pride, Such grand, imperious, disdainful scorn Of high-born littleness in seats of power. That man is Chatham. " Junius" did not write Till after Chatham left the cabinet. The sick man's comforts, his domestic joys, His social rank were chains of gratitude He could not break, though duty sternly called For patriot toils to save a sinking State. Even the great man's title then proclaimed His deep indebtedness to George the Third. The unknown " Junius " gave the unfettered strength Of Pitt's unequaled genius to mankind To save them from the follies of the times. The more completely to conceal his hand 46 THE AMERICAN EPIV. He praised himself. So, of necessity, " Junius" must rest in Chatham's honored grave. Michael. Among these gifted backwoods burgesses Are men whose honored names shall soon outshine Illustrious Chatham's on the list of fame; WILLIAM PITT, EARL OP CHATHAM. And one, the peerless name of Washington, Shall stand confessed the highest of mankind. Behold! The noblest of the human race! Scene: Boston, in front of the old South Church, at night, December 15, 1773. SATAN, BELIAL, AZAZEL. Satan to Belial. My trusty friend, I need your services. This question of taxation, simplified, Turns now on tea alone. The Parliament BOSTON TEA PARTY. 47 And king bid the obedient merchants send Cheap tea to tempt weak colonists to buy. Charleston, New York, and Philadelphia Have kept the tempting leaves from cheerful homes; But Hutchinson, to enrich his selfish sons, Would gladly give Bostonians all they want. Mammon delights to help the covetous. He would not have a single leaf destroyed. To you I therefore come. What can you do ? Belial. To-morrow night the citizens meet here To talk of grievances and remedies. I will bring fifty of my chosen sons, Arrayed as Indians, to destroy the tea. The crowd shall follow us to Griffin's Wharf; We'll seize the tea and throw it in the dock. This great "tea party" long shall be renowned. The king, intoxicated with its fumes, Shall loose his dogs of war against this town, And wreak his vengeance on its citizens. Azazel. Will that bring on the war so much desired, Or Boston be the only sufferer? Satan. We can but try it. Here to-morrow night We come to witness Belial's great success. Scene: Boston, in front of the old South Church, at night, December 16, 1773. SATAN and AZAZEL approach. Satan. Ho ! Belial, where are now your fifty men ? Belial. Satan, they restless sit amid the crowd, Waiting our signal to begin their work. Satan. Belial, give them the expected signal now. Belial. Satan, that's all arranged and understood : There's one within who will attend to that. Come with me now to Griffin's Wharf before The crowd comes rushing and the fray begins. Scene: Griffin's WJiarf. Belial to Satan and Azazel. Step with me on this elevated spot, Whence we can sec destructive work go on. 48 THE AMERICAN EPIC. The war-whoop sounds and hundreds rush this way. The work begins; the tea is seized; the chests Are emptied in the foaming waves and sink. Now, Satan, can you praise my handiwork ? Satan. Belial, I can. But we must cross the sea. Our work is incomplete until the king Grows furious and begins to strike his foes. Scene : Front of the palace, January 11, 1?74. SATAN, AZAZEL BELIAL, MAMMON. Satan. The privy council met the king to-day To talk of letters that have passed between Hillsboro and the royal governor. Petitions from the colonists have como Demanding the removal of their foes For such they count their governor, their judge; And by those letters prove that enmity lieigns in the hearts of those high officers. The king and his advisers do not deign To notice such petitions for relief. The ministers were troubled, and would learn Who 'twas that told state secrets out of school. Each charged another with the grave offense, And duels might have shed their noble blood If nobler Franklin had not helped his foes By telling them 'twas he that sent the news. The cabinet became enraged at him And said he must appear before King George. Belial, your matchless talents I require. These high-born dignitaries of the realm. Furnish lewd fellows of the baser sort, Lower in vulgar vices than the scum Fermenting in the slums of wretchedness. One, Wedderburne, belongs to this vile class. On this he-harpy try your utmost skill. Let fangs and talons rend old Franklin's heart; Bid weaker vultures share the hateful feast Until King George shall sicken at the sight. Meanwhile, Azazel, go stir up the king Until his rage exceeds all decent bounds; Then meet me here again in eighteen days. FRANKLIN TRIUMPHS. 49 Scene : Front of the palace, by moonlight, January 29, 1774, SATAN, BELIAL, AZAZEL. Belial. My honored chief, your deep-laid plot works well. Franklin was present by the king's command; Base Wedderburne in rudest wrathfulness Hurled at him accusations, insults, threats, And every wordy weapon he could find In the whole armory of human speech. Dignified and brave, unmoved by malice, Unsubdued by fear, unawed by all the Frowns of royalty or threats of power, The hero told them most unwelcome truths. The laughing lordlings and ungracious king Were dwarfed before this wise man of the West. Satan. Azazel, what have you to tell to-night ? Was royalty submissive to your will ? Azazel. More than submissive to all fiendish schemes For crushing the rebellious colonists. Alas ! poor king, he is insanely mad Against all persons who resist his will. Satan. This but promotes our hellish purposes, And promises a long, long, cruel strife. To-night peace spreads her snow-white wings for flight, While howling hatred calls for bloody war. Belial. Say, Satan, is my latest work approved ? Satan. It is. I give you my most hearty thanks. But there remains another work for you : Gage is in London. He must see the king And fill him with vain hopes of victory. To you I trust him : work him to your will By hast'ning on the conflicts that must come. These men deceive each other and themselves ; We understand them and are not deceived. How despicable is all human pride ! How inconsistent man's most lauded acts I 4 50 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Not twenty months ago these islanders Boasted most loudly of the liberty Conferred by Mansfield on one negro slave A Massachusetts man had landed here. Cheap charity, without expense, could free Another's slave and glory in the deed, Singing loud songs about philanthropy, Boasting of freedom and of English air Inhaled by slaves to give them liberty. We laugh to scorn such bold, pretentious boasts, While Parliament and king for paltry gold Encourage merchants still to trade in slaves. Yes, judges, legislators, and the king Turn a deaf ear to accents of distress In which Yirginia begs to be relieved From the accursed slave trade and its woes. The horrid traffic, with its burning shame, Still brings bright blushes to her glowing cheeks, As such vile merchandise pollutes her shores. Mansfield approaches. North is by his side. Scene : House of Lords after adjournment, March 18, 1774. SATAN, BAAL, MAES, AZAZEL, BELIAL. Satan. My great compeers, we've triumphed here to-day. The Boston Port bill passed and is approved. An empire wreaks its vengeance on a town ; Blockades its ports, removes its government, Fills it with soldiers, starves its citizens: (Those of them that it does not choose to hang) To this king, lords, and commons have agreed. Baal. Satan, this must be quite an easy task Imposed upon themselves: an hour's pastime. How many people are there in the town ? Satan. When full, not more than sixteen thousand souk; But now, with numbers frightened and away, Soldiers outnumber quiet citizens. Belial. Then why not go^to hanging instantly, And end tho troubles of the trembling town? MOURNING AMEKICA. 51 Azazel. That is a game attended by great risks. More than two millions threaten to take part In such proceedings, if they once begin. Satan. Ha! Comrade Mars, great gallant god of war! I see the smile that lights your countenance. Make ready for the strife: there's work for you. To Massachusetts let us wend our way. Scene: Market Sired Wharf, Philadelphia, June 1, 1774. Flags on shipping at half-mast; crape on closed houses; muffled bells lolling. ABDIEL, ITHUKIEL, ZEPHON, UZZIEL, RAPHAEL. Zephon. What mean these signs of mourning, those sad sounds That echo like the dirge of some lost soul? Has death struck down the monarch on his throne? Do continents lament their loss to-day? Abdiel. Death in a palace brings no gloom like this; 'Tis liberty has died, and millions mourn. These half-mast flags, these melancholy bells, Those crape-clad dwellings, and those solemn throngs, Proclaim the indignation and distress That patient Pennsylvania feels to-day Because the Boston Port bill is enforced. Ithuriel. Virginia fasts, and lifts her solemn prayers For help from God against the enemies Of human freedom and the rights of man. She summons a convention of her sons To choose a delegation that shall meet A Continental Congress in this place. She calls back liberty to life again, Ready to arm bravo sons in her defense, Making one nation of these colonies. Abdiel. Comrades, Virginia lives in quietness. So do the other Southern colonies; Their ports are not blockaded, nor their towns Beleaguered by a hostile soldiery. With lords of trade they have no rivalries, No ships of theirs the rich slave trade divide With merchants of old England. Salem, Boston, 52 THE AMERICAN EPIC. And New York provoke the jealousy of Liverpool and Bristol for its profits. Savannah, Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore Send out no ships for captured Africans. Those Southerners are favorites of the king. He does not ask the heads of their great men, Nor would ho have them sent across the sea. Why, then, does Boston rouse their sympathies So that they risk their all in her defense ? Uzziel. Thus all the colonies make common cause Against the right of king and Parliament To tax them all without their own consent; To rule them in all cases; quarter troops On them in time of peace; to transport men Across the sea for trial. If Boston Suffers now without redress, why may not Charleston, Norfolk, Baltimore, whenever AVhims of tyrants may demand? Their innate, Home-bred love of liberty, law, justice, Impels them to contend for human rights. Raphael. That doubtless is the truth; but gratitude, Stronger than bands of steel, must ever bind New England to the people of the South. Their interests she will guard as if her own; Wrongs done to them she'll hasten to redress; Insults to them must bo insults to her, Her loving-kindness their rich heritage. Abdiel. After the coming Congress shall convene, Lot us meet here again at duty's call. But see, there comes this way John Dickinson : The "Farmer's Letters" flowed from his keen pen. Scene : In front of Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, October 25, 1774. ABDIEL, ITHURIEL, RAPHAEL, ZOPHIEL, ZEPHOX. Abdiel. The Congress has completed its great work: Will soon adjourn to meet again in May. Such wisdom, prudence, boldness, bravery Earth never saw before in any land. UNITY TRIUMPHANT. They buried bigotry. Opposing sects Built on his grave the altar of our God. They banished selfishness, and in his place, Enthroned triumphant, love-crowned unity. They came to speak of grievances endured By persecuted, struggling colonies; They go, the representatives and chiefs Of millions that refuse to be oppressed. 1)0 JOHN WYCKLIFFE. UzzieL Comrades, if that be so, why do they not Cast off the British yoke and rule themselves? Ithuriel. Their gen'rous hearts retain a ling' ring love Of Britain, as the happy home of their Revered forefathers. They share her glory, Her renown inherit. Her mighty arm Subdues all foreign foes, and is a sure Defense for all on whom she deigns to smile. 54 THE AMERICAN EPIC. They love her ancient laws, and dare to hope For the repeal of those tyrannic acts That now oppress them. Some are not ready For the final step to independence. Self-government will come. They wisely wait For full consent and unanimity. To freedom's friends this comes with quick'ning speed. The wrongs that suff 'ring Boston now endures Awaken indignation in all hearts. Some, praying, call aloud for heav'nly help; Others, with wrath, hurl fierce anathemas At the hard-hearted king and ministers. Zeplion. But who provides for Boston's families, And drives the wolf of famine from their homes? RapTiael. The harvests of a continent are theirs, Laid at their feet by patriotic hands. Gadsden, of Carolina, was the first Whose gen'rous heart responded to their wants. His crop of rice was liberty's first-fruits, By union brought to freedom's sacred shrine; Then followed the rich products of broad fields From Alleghanian heights to ocean's shore. Boston most gratefully records these gifts, Sent in her hour of need from Southern soil. All time shall witness with approving smiles The tokens of her loving gratitude. Gadsden and Charleston shall be household words, Honored and loved beyond all other names. Zophiel. 'Tis less than half a year since General Gage, "With colors flying and with booming guns, Sailed into Boston Harbor with eclat; Then through the perfumed air of flow'ry May, Escorted by cadets that Hancock led, He marched in triumph to the state-house square; In Fanueil Hall dined with the patriots, Assured them that " the troubles of the times Were only lovers' quarrels," and would end In halycon days of loving happiness. A HUMAN WALL. 55 "While thus dissembling, he was pledged to send Their leading men as pris'ners o'er the sea To meet the vengeance of their irate king. Uzziel. Does his pretense of friendship still deceive? Or has he dropped the mask that hid his hato? Abdiel. His gleesome gala days are ended now. Prison bounds restrain his wonted freedom. His troops to narrow limits are confined: A living, human wall forbids escape. Broad as New England now he sees it rise, And firmer than her frowning granite hills. His civic honors, his vice-regal powers, And all the glory of supreme command Hide not the horrors of his dismal fate. Escape by sea would lead to dire disgrace ; He dare not venture upon hostile acts. In vain he fortifies against his foes: His piteous cries for help in his great need Burden the west winds and disturb the king. It is not "Boston's rabble" he now fears; "Substantial citizens" arise in arms. He asks that peaceful counsels may prevail ; Demands more troops English or Scotch, Irish Or mercenary Germans, negro slaves, Canadian French or Indian savages To save him in this dread extremity. Without more troops to fight the colonists, Ingloriously idle he remains. Shut up in Boston with his well-drilled men, Sees brave Virginians boldly take up arms, Drive hostile Indians from their heritage, And firmly hold their own with steel-clad hands Against King George and Frenchmen of Quebec. The boundless acres of the wid'ning "West As to their fathers giv'n are still their own. Zephon. Did the mad king give Canada those lands? Abdiel. He did. His hatred of the colonies Was stronger than his bitter bigotry, 56 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Prompting vain efforts to convey the lands Of true Virginia English Protestants To Roman Catholics of French Quebec, Trying to check the Old Dominion's growth By this mad folly of an insane king. Even Dunmore, the Tory governor, Saw with delight Virginians driving back King George's Indians and Canadians. But see, the Congress now hast just adjourned. There's Washington, Lee, Henry, Jefferson, John Adams, Livingston, Gadsden, and Jay, And Samuel Adams, who was first to see The sun of independence in the cast. Undying fame leads them to lofty heights Of high renown and immortality. Scene : Front of St. John's Church, Richmond, Va., April 2, 1775. MICHAEL, GABRIEL, ITHURIEL, ABDIEL. Michael. Guardians of nations, comrades tried and true, The dawn of independence now appears From the St. Lawrence down to Florida. The eastern skies are glowing with its light, "While frontier settlers in the distant West With exultation hail the bright'ning beams. Chatham and Burke have eloquently plead With lords and commons for colonial rights; But their appeals have both been made in vain. Franklin returns to tell his countrymen That Britain spurns their representative. The royal governors retire in haste, Or give their king's commissions to the flames. Ithuriel. Michael, the breezes from the distant North Come burdened with reports of horrid war. 'Tis said that thirty thousand freemen armed Toward Boston now are marching rapidly; That Gage cannot escape but by the sea; That his drilled troops, whipped by provincial boys, Seek safety in intrcnchments and in forts. Abdiel. This colony to-day resolves to arm Her stalwart sons to fight for liberty. DUX MORE DRIVEN AWAY: Loo, Washington, Henry, and Jefferson Are to devise the military plan By which Virginia's troops shall take the field. Lord Dunmore threatens to burn up her towns, Arm slaves, and bid them desolate her homes; Give to the gallows loading citizens, To scalping-knives the tresses that adorn The loveliness of youth and innocence. He thinks that with three thousand stand of arms, 57 SIR ISAAC NEWTON. Four pieces of artillery at hand, Three thousand saucy, well-fed negro slaves, His brave marines and Indian savages, Ho can subdue these freemen. What say you ? Gabriel. I say these patriots despise his threats. Ithuriel. Five thousand men, the bravest of the brave, Are ready now to drive him to his ships. 58 THE AMERICAN EPIC Michael. The Congress meets in May. Let us remain And meet at Alexandria on the road. Thence wo can travel with the delegates To witness the proceedings and debates. Scene: Alexandria, Fa., May 1, 1775. MICHAEL, GABEIEL, AB- DIEL, ITHURIEL. Michael. Comrades, I hail you happy on your way To the fair city where the Congress meets. Georgia, with but three thousand fighting men, Sees on her soil ten thousand Indian braves, Ready, for British gold, to slay her sons; Yet does not hesitate in freedom's cause To seize five hundred pounds of gunpowder That had been stored in the king's magazine; And further, to defy his Majesty, Sends to rebellious Boston rice and gold. Abdiel. South Carolina by heroic deeds Defies Great Britain and her hireling hosts; Lays hold upon eight hundred stand of arms, With ammunition and rich army stores, Ready for independence or for war. North Carolina is in arms to-day : Her governor, a fugitive, makes haste To leave the land that spurns his tyranny. Gabriel. List to the martial music on the air ! Virginia's Congressmen arc coming now, Escorted to the border of their State By the brave men who drove Lord Dunmorc out. The journey of these statesmen toward the North Has now become a grand triumphal march. Applauding thousands hail the conquerors, Victorious over boasting tyranny. They drove the British regulars in fight, And did not lose a single combatant, While the red-coated officers were slain Till English blood had fertilized the soil. They forced the braggart governor to pay BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. 59 . f For their State's powder which he basely stole; Then drove the terror-stricken wretch to seek With hasty steps a refuge on his ships. The fiendish vandal, filled with hellish hate, Gave Norfolk to the flames as he passed by. 'Twas well with fire to purify the spot Where his foul foot last touched the sacred soil. His and his master's last official act In this, the purest of all commonwealths, Forced' its protesting citizens to bear, For England's glory and emolument, The vile, polluting horrors that belonged To the dark slave trade which their souls abhorred. But royalty and loyalty depart And false philanthropy is following To keep the trio out; Eandolph and Bland Have just sold forty slaves, that they may buy Powder to drive the slave-ships of King George Far from their honest, flourishing young State And free New England from his galling yoke. Scene : Lexington, Mass., before day, April 19, 1775. SATAN, BAAT-, MOLOCH, MAES. Satan. Hail ! princes of my more than royal court, Bold leaders of my brave embattled hosts ! The conflict we have waited for begins. There's Paul Eevere. He's riding in hot haste To warn the watchful sons of liberty. December saw him rousing Sullivan, Who captured Cochrane and a royal fort And carried off its powder and its arms. This action of the bold New Hampshire men Has led King George to order General Gage To seize all arms and powder to bo found Among his rash rebellious colonists. Obedient to this order of the king, Gage sent out Major Pitcairn and some troops Upon a midnight search to capture stores. But Paul Revere outrides the royalists, And fighting men arc gathering at his call. Wives arm their husbands, mothers their young sons. 60 THE AMERICAN EPIC. \ . They come through by paths, lanes, and fields and woods To battle for the loved ones of their homes Against -the hireling hosts of tyranny. Baal. See! There is Pitcairn with his well-armed men, Confronting these defiant, rustic youths. He gives the order that begins the war; He calls them rebels, tells them to disperse. Behold those flashes! hear the sharp reports! The rustics fall: seven have ceased to breathe, Nine others from red wounds pour out their lives. Hark! hark! Death flies upon the morning breeze! The red-coats fall! The boasting Britons flee In wild disorder from their untrained foes. Vengeance awaits them whereso'er they turn. They rally, they stand firm, and standing die. Mars. Ha-ha! Ha-ha! This, this, indeed, is war. I revel in delight amid such scenes. Satan. I join you in your reveling. Hell howls Responsively to jubilations loud. With us it joins to gloat on human woe. Moloch. Pitcairn and Smith and their brave followers Took ammunition from their enemies, But it came through the muzzles of their guns And kept them from arresting patriots. So Samuel Adams cannot now bo hanged, Nor must John Hancock die for his good deeds. Scene: Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, June 15, 1775. MICHAEL and GABRIEL. Michael. What think you, Gabriel, of this Congress now? Gabriel. Michael, its wisdom is most wonderful. So patient, yet so firm against all wrong. It was a master-stroke of policy That placed proscribed John Hancock in the chair. Virginia, through the lips of Harrison, Thus told King George with hearty emphasis: BUNKER HILL. 61 " Your royal fury cannot strike this man Till our strong arms are laid in patriots' graves." To-day John Adams named George Washington To be the chief commander of all troops Raised by the colonies for their defense. Already thirty thousand rush to arms To claim New England for her stalwart sons, The Congress calls for twenty thbusand more; But independence is the only path Which leads to freedom on this continent. Here comes the modest hero who commands The armies that defend America. See how the holy angels guide his steps And shield him from the dangers that surround! Scene: 'Bunker Hill, Mass., June 18, 1775. SATAN, MARS, MOLOCH, MAMMON. Satan. Companions of my life, partners in toil, The triumphs of these times are justly yours. I hail you victors on this field of fame, And add my plaudits to the well-earned praise Hell's countless legions thunder in your ears. The bloody battle fought on yesterday Involves mankind in years of bitter strife. 'Twas your contrivance that laid low in dust More than fourscore of Britain's officers; The flow'r and pride of England's chivalry, By rustic hands unskilled in arts of war, That gave to death three British regulars For each provincial that in battle fell. Humiliation, such as England bears, Will drive to desperation those who rule. A cry for vengeance will ring through the realm Euled by the baffled, disappointed king Vengeance and rage that will not count the cost In cash, or tears, or blood, or agony. Moloch, you shall see blood in torrents flow, While fearful shrieks and groans shall charm your cars. Brave Mars, embattled hosts in many a field To you rich harvests of delight shall yield. ' 62 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Ho! Mammon, why are you so thoughtful grown? Why melancholy, mid our revelry? Mammon. 'Tis not that men are hated less by me, Not that I less delight in human woe; But the destruction of their treasured hoards Consumes the bait with which I fish for souls. I saw them die in agony, and laughed; But when the flames licked up and turned to dust Charlestown's four hundred dwellings and their wealth, 'Twas a sad sight to see such willful waste Of what I could have used to ruin souls. War hurries men to death in tender youth, Untutored in the worst of villainies; Wealth schools in vice and graduates in crime, While hearts grow harder than the hoarded gold. Wealth leads to war that's worthy of the name, And peoples hell with its worst denizens. Give me the time to make these rustics rich, Then they will glut war's strongest appetite. You well remember how old Nineveh, Tyre, Babylon, Damascus, mighty Rome, Had wealth worth fighting for, and fearful crimes: Were rich, ripe, rotten, filled with wasting spoils. When cow-boy armies plunder villages, What honor has great Mars, the god of war? When Alexander reaped old Asia's fields, Harvests of glory round his footsteps fell. Mars. Mammon, to work out ruin for your friends, You can improve uncounted centuries; But war is now the order of the day, And hast'ning thousands swiftly rush to arms. One man like Warren, upon Bunker Hill, Outweighs the worth of countless stores of gold. Even his ashes centuries to come Shall still inspire the bravest, noblest deeds. 3now ye that when Ticondoroga fell The king lost what had cost his treasury Eight millions sterling and vast army stores, With eixscore pieces of artillery? WASHINGTON COMMANDED. 63 Crown Point surrendered two days afterward. If Ethan Allen, leading fourscore men, Wrought such destruction in a few brief hours, Uncounted millions must most freely blaze As fiery-footed war walks through the land. Satan. Comrades, your disputation profits not. Since men destroy each other, we exult. Be ours the task to keep their hate inflamed, And urge them on to deeds of violence. Conquer who may, ours is the victory. Mars. There's Prescott, who commanded on that hill; There Grid ley, his accomplished engineer, And Israel Putnam, bravo as man can be. Scene: American encampment, near Boston, July 10, 1775. SATAN and MARS. Mars. What mean the acclamations that we hear? They sound like joyous shouts of men in arms. Has a detachment gained a victory, Or does the royal army leave the place? Satan. Not so. The chosen chief of thirteen States Reviews the troops placed under his command. The patriot army hears, for the first time, The wise and weighty words of the great man Who leads them forth to vict'ry or defeat. To-day they all seem jubilant and proud, Defying Britain's king and Parliament And all the forces they may have to meet. Let them crow on. These game birds soon shall set Their sharp, strong spurs to drawing kindred blood. Scene : Independence Square, Philadelphia, July S, 1776. MICHAEL, GABRIEL, ABDIEL, ITHURIEL, ZEPHON, RAPHAEL, AKIEL. Michael. Hail! honored comrades, offspring of our God! Behold a nation struggling into life ! The noblest, greatest, grandest of all time. Gabriel, the nations long have claimed your care: These rising States you've watched with partial eye. Say, are they ripe for independence now ? 64 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Gabriel. Michael, they are. It is their own by right. I joy to see them claim their heritage, And crown themselves with wise self-government. Michael. Zophiel, we turn to you inquiringly. The English and their king to you are dear. Have they not forfeited their claims to rule This generous people and their lovely land ? Zophiel. Yes, England blooms in beauty and in grace. Her youthful king seems crowned with piety; Her people full of wisdom from on high. Alas! poor king! Insanity's at fault For half his folly and for all his crime. But these fair States ought now to be set free From king and nobles and all foreign sway; Owning allegiance to the King of kings, And living in obedience to his laws. More than a year England has stood appalled. Lord North would gladly have resigned his place And called an abler man to save the state. Wesley besought the king to shed no blood. London demanded peace, while statesmen wept. But the crazed king hearkened to no appeal : His own rash hand plucked from his diadern The brightest jewel that was glitt'ring there. Michael. What think you, Abdiel ? Is the rich, ripe fruit Of independence in the reach of these Brave sons of liberty? If not, say why. Abdiel. Yes. Independence now is theirs of right. Virginia long ago demanded it. The pen of Jefferson, the eloquence Of Henry and of Lee, the solid sense Of Washington and Wythe convince all minds That independence is the people's right. When last November a French agent camo To offer ammunition, money, arms, This seemed to give assurance of success In spite of all the armies of King George. MECKLENBURG CANADA. 65 Michael. Ithuriel, wo wait your true report Of the position of the uunny South. Ithuriel. Michael, 'twas more than fourteen months ago That independence freely was proclaimed By Carolinians at Mecklenburg. A few days since eight hours of bombardment Stranded three British ships near Moul trie's fort, Wounded the Admiral and drove his fleet To seek for shelter with his loyal friends In some safe harbor near to Halifax; Killed bravo Lord Campbell, last of governors To rule by royal right or royal wrong. From the Potomac down to Florida Immediate independence is the cry. Michael. Zophon, what news have you from Canada? Does the St. Lawrence own our union's sway ? Zephon. September saw Montgomery's brave men March northward, take Fort Chambly and St. Johns, Seize Montreal and move to strong Quebec. Success attended them upon their march. When stern December hurled her fearful blasts, Chilling their vitals on the battle-field, They bravely faced the storms and fought their foes, Until their leader fell with glory crowned. Then, turning from the conflict with sad hearts, They mourned the loss their country had sustained; While tears of grief froze on their manly cheeks, And gnawing hunger fed upon their strength. 'Twas sad to know Montgomery was dead ; Far more than sad to know that his shed blood Had failed to waken in Canadian hearts Longings for liberty and civil rights. Staining the frozen snow with bleeding feet, Southward their melancholy march began. Perhaps 'tis well the expedition failed. Untrained in freedom's Anglo-Saxon school, Canadians have not learned the patriots' lore; Their undrilled, slow-paced feet could not keep step With freedom's rapid march to high renown. 5 66 THE AMERICAN EPIC. But south of the St. Lawrence and the lakes All things arc ripe for independence now. Michael. How fares the army led by Washington ? llaphael, we wait to hear what you have seen. Raphael. Michael, the great commander took his place At duty's call more than a year ago. Brave, stalwart men gathered in multitudes To do his bidding with alacrity, Or follow where he led against the foe. But ammunition could not be obtained; The summer passed, autumn and winter came With only preparations for the strife. He held the foe in Boston prison bounds, With no way of escape but by the sea; Yet was himself fettered by scarcity Of balls and powder for the coming fight. At last, in March, the royalists, alarmed, Saw on the lofty heights of Dorchester Artillery to belch forth fiery death, And drive them from the city they oppressed. Nothing remained to them but swift retreat. Boston, set free, is gay and jubilant, While all New England independence claims. The patriot army proud of its success, Hopes soon to drive the English o'er the sea. Michael. Such baseless hopes should not be entertained. I know that they deceive not Washington. Raphael. The thoughtful leader scans most carefully Each movement of his country's enemies; He knows the conflict must be desperate. Though crowned with laurels and by millions praised, Boston's retreat and Charleston's brave repulse Show him no easy path to liberty. Keen vigilance, untiring energv, And patient, persevering, faithful toil Arc all devoted to his country's cause. INDEPENDENCE DECLARED. 67 Ariel. His countrymen must rally to his help, Or all his efforts will be made in vain. King George demands more armaments and men: Twenty-five thousand brawny Englishmen; Of hireling Hessians, fresh froui Germany, Seventeen thousand, drilled and officered; Of silly Tories and of savage tribes No man has numbered the vast multitudes That England's treasury can arm for war. To meet those countless foes the patriot chief, In his glad hours of wonderful success, Has only twenty-seven thousand men. How many will stand by him in defeat, Time yet must test by stern adversity. Ithuriel. You spoke of a commissioner from France, Who tendered help in money, arms, and stores. Abdiel. France, jealous of Britannia's growing strength, Stands with her millions ready to take part In all that tends to lay her rival low. Gabriel. This French alliance gives well-grounded hopes Of speedy independence for these States. Michael. Long months ago Virginia and the South Severed all ties that bound them to the king. New England still defies his Majesty. The slow-paced patriots of these Middle States Hold back their more enthusiastic friends. They need angelic aid : let us assist. Go thou, Ithuriel, to the hypocrites Who only feign a love for liberty. Expose their sordid, base hypocrisy; Tear off their masks, and treat them with contempt. Go, Abdiel, to the men who hesitate. Rouse them to prompt, immediate action now. Zephon, timidity demands your help. Fill the faint-hearted with courageous thoughts. Raphael, the great committee needs your aid To have the declaration formed aright, 68 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Not only as to principles and words, But see that no expression gives offense To any of the wise contracting States. The slave trade is denounced in such strong terms As Georgia never will consent to use; Nor will New England thus condemn her sons For trafficking in human flesh and blood. One wants the slaves to cultivate her lands; The other wants the profits of the trade. The Carolinas, too, would like to have Some changes made in those offensive words; So Jefferson must alter those bold lines, Or else for peace must let them be expunged. Gabriel, to patriot, John Adams, go! Touch with celestial fire his lips and tongue ; Give him the spirit of convincing speech, The eloquence that men cannot resist, That Congress may be carried as by storm. At 2 o'clock to-morrow let us meet. Independence Square, Philadelphia,, 2 o'clock, July 4, 1776. MICHAEL, GABRIEL, ABDIEL, ITHURIEL, ZEPHON, RAPHAEL, ARIEL. Gabriel. Comrades, the Congress now begins to vote. The great decision soon will be made known. John Adams was most eloquent of men : They could not but agree to all he said. Michael. The bell of liberty begins to sound; The people cry aloud in tones of joy: " Give praise to God ! 'Tis Independence Day ! " BOOK FOURTH Scene: Trenton, N, J., December 25, 1776. GABRIEL, UZZIEL, ITHURIEL, RAPHAEL. Raphael. 'Tis a sad Christmas to Americans. Of late discouragements have been their fate. Last August thirty thousand enemies Drove them across Long Island, with the loss Of a full thousand valiant fighting men. With muffled oars they hastened to New York; Thence up to Harlem Heights, from which they saw Five hundred blazing homes to light their way. Fort Washington, with its brave garrison, Surrendered in November to the foe : Its thousands, in vile pestilential cells, Await their death. Fort Lee was left in haste; Its stores were lost. The army, driv'n with speed Across New Jersey to the Delaware, Seized all the boats and to the other shore In safety crossed with but three thousand men. Ithuriel. Charles Lee w r as ordered to conduct his men With haste to join the troops of Washington ; But he vain marplot of his chieftain's plans Was taken by the British to New York. He's more a Briton than American ; His army, led by Sullivan, escaped, And joined the standard of their honored chief. The patriots now can claim six thousand men. Congress has fled from Philadelphia, At Baltimore votes dictatorial power To Washington, that he may save their cause. Uzziel. Prospects, indeed, seem gloomy in this land. Its destiny depends upon one man Upon his honor and capacity. (69) 70 THE AMEKICAN EPIC. Who saves his country from a foreign foo Is tempted much to save it for himself; Or if he cannot grasp the highest prize, And seat himself upon a despot's throne, May he not use his sword to force a peace, And for it claim at least the second place In the great government that he makes strong? He may play Cassar if not Gen'ral Monk; If not an emperor, a British peer. Ithuriel. 'Twas not Virginia air that Ca?sar breathed; 'Twas no Virginia mother nourished Monk. True to his country, Washington will stand Firm as the mountains of his native land. Uzziel. Suspect not Washington of treachery; Doubt not but he will do what man can do, But when an ice-bridge spans the Delaware, What shall hold back the British from their prey? Then they must yield to Britain or to death, Because the country has been so subdued That Cornwallis starts off for Europe soon, And Howe expects a Philadelphia home. What think you, Gabriel, of the prospect now ? Gabriel. 'Tis desperate indeed ; but Washington Still leads his ragged troops from place to place; Upon his side, by pow'r divine arrayed, Are all of Europe's selfish jealousies; Old ocean's ev'ry wave and ev'ry gale; The deep, broad rivers of his native land Their ice-clad torrents and their sunny floods; They've been his playmates from his joyous youth, Are now his allies hast'ning to his help; They shield him from the fury of his foes. In league with these his country's hills and vales, Her lofty mountains, and her fertile plains, With all their grand majestic distances, Fight freedom's battles in her hour of need. Then millions of brave hearts and ready hands Pledge each red drop that pulsates in the veins Of liberty's unconquerable sons BATTLE OF TRENTON. 71 To the defense of home and native land. But best of all, his trust is in our God. Hark ! hark ! what sounds are those that strike the ear? The noise of battle floats upon the breeze; The hated Hessians wake to meet their fate. At the first onset, Eahl, their leader, fell. They die, they bleed, they beg, they plead for life. A few on horseback fled to Bordenton, But Trenton's garrison are prisoners, Of death or of the troops of Washington. The living, bound, are hurried o'er the waves Expecting death in some most horrid form, From men they have been told are cannibals. There's Sullivan, there's Greene, there's Washington. Last night they fought the fury of the storm, The floating ice, the chilling, white capped waves; This morning marched to meet a slecpjng foe. Now, crowned with vict'ry, cross the Delaware, Secure their pris'ners and their spoils of war. This daring deed will shake the British Isle From its strong confidence of victory. 'Twill kindle hope in ev'ry patriot's heart, And nerve the arms of freemen for the strife. Scene: Princeton, N. J., at day-break, January 4, 1777. GABRIEL, ABDIEL, ITHURIEL, UZZIEL, RAPHAEL. Uzziel. Why wait we" hero ? Trenton demands our care ! 'Tis there the war-cloud frowns most gloomily. There Hessians, waking from the sluggish sleep That followed their coarse Christmas revelry, Found Washington had crossed the Delaware To kill or capture Trenton's garrison. More than two thousand fell or fled away, Or passed as captives o'er the broad, rough stream. If the great chief had watched his prisoners, And kept his troops on Pennsylvania ground, He would have shunned the peril he is in ; But he returned to Trenton, and has found Cornwallis hastening to capture him. 72 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Raphael. By thousands British troops do concentrate To capture Washington and end the war. They have him where they long have wanted him, And now can pounce upon their noble prey. He and his troops seern hopelessly entrapped. AbdieL Cornwallis led from this place troops enough To crush the little army he opposed; They fought there yesterday till dark came down. This morning larger numbers march from here. They start for Trenton by the break of day. Ithuriel. To make sure work they gather from all points, And hope to capture full five thousand men, With Washington and his best generals. What noise is that waking the villagers ? The sound of battle on these classic grounds Is startling even to an angel's ear. Gabriel, can you inform us what it means ? Gabriel. It means the British army has been left To beat the air in Trenton this cold da}-; While Washington surprises thousands here, And strikes the bravest of their vet'rans down. He kept his camp-fires blazing and marched round The num'rous army of his pow'rful foes. The unsuspecting Princeton troops are brave; They, with their bright and bristling bayonets, Drive raw recruits before them from the field. But Mercer leads his valiant veterans And turns the bloody tide of battle back. He falls the conflict rages fearfully ; Death riots on the bravest of the brave, And victory, bewildered, hesitates To crown the brave, unflinching combatants. But hark ! A voice rings out upon the air That stirs in patriots resistless might; Its tones are heard where leaden hail falls fast, And sulphurous smoke hides human forms from sight. The target often thousand well-aimed balls Cannot escape by any human means. BURGOYNE 's SURRENDER. 73 Abdicl, thy shield throw round him, or ho falls: Its heavenly temper from destruction saves. The morning breeze lifts up the stifling smoke, And shows the bloody battle nobly won. The British line in wild disorder broke Before the valiant charge of Washington. Well may that steed prance proudly o'er the field, Displaying more of matchless majesty Than all past ages ever yet did yield ; More virtue, valor, Christian chivalry ! Scene : Saratoga, N. Y., October 17, 1777. MICHAEL, ITIIUKIEL, ZEPHON. Ithuriel. There is a cheering sight to kindle joy In cv'ry home of all these colonies ! Burgoyne, in June, marched with ten thousand men, Well-armed and well-equipped for camp or field. At his approach the patriots fled away From their strong places and their army stores; But bold John Stark at Bennington, Vermont, Whipped two detachments of his bravest men. His Indian allies have deserted him. Two recent battles brought defeat and loss. Within three days starvation's work begins, And there remains no way by which t' escape. This mighty army now capitulates. The proud Burgoyne, with his six thousand braves, And six wise members of the Parliament, Surrender to the rustic colonists. They, with themselves, give up abundant stores, With ammunition for the next campaign ; Five thousand muskets, forty-two brass guns, And, worst of all, the prestige of success. Zephon. The news of this humiliating stroke Will startle Britain like an earthquake shock, And make her monarch tremble on his throne. 'Twill strengthen Franklin at the court of France, And bring about a formal alliance. Ithuriel. Will this bring independence, peace, and joy ? 74 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Michael. Not now. Britannia claims the right to tax, And in all cases whatsoever rule. When the sad news of this calamity Comes to King George, it may dethrone his mind, But will not change his policy at all. His right to govern people as he wills Must not be questioned by the colonists. Bather than this England's last ship and her last regiment Must cross the ocean to keep up the fight. When Holland, France, and Spain shall bo combined To fight the battles of her colonies, England may wake from her delusive dreams Of subjugation to her heavy yoke. At present British troops claim victories Upon the Delaware. They drive away From Philadelphia the Congressmen. The names of Germantown and Brandywine, Waking sad memories in patriots, Will, to the king and ministers, give hope Of final victory for British arms, And cause the flame of war to still blaze on. The conq'rors and the conquered come this way. What pity they should shed each other's blood! There's Gates, there's Morgan, Starkc of Bennington. See Schuyler, Lincoln, Arnold, and St. Clair. There Kosciusko, the brave Polander; And there's Burgoyne, with captive officers. Scene : Near Monmouih, N. J., June 21, 1778. SATAN, MARS, BAAL, MOLOCH, MAMMON, BELIAL. Satan. How fare my trusty friends? How goes the war? Mars. The British have lost Boston since we met; In their attack on Charleston been repulsed ; By battles near to Brooklyn and New York Compelled the patr'ts to retreat in haste Across New Jersey to the Delaware, With but three thousand ragged warriors. The patriot chief passed o'er that freezing stream, Leaving no boats by which his foes might cross. VALLEY FORGE. 75 The Congress fled away to Baltimore, Giving the General dictatorial power. Joined by a few recruits, he turned again, Pressed on through floating ice, surprised his foes, Defeated them, sent to the Southern shore His numerous captives; crossed the stream again, As if to court defeat. His feeble force Faced a strong army and defied its pow'r; Skirmished a day with varying success, But, with his camp-fires burning, marched by night To strike with consternation other foes. Full thirteen miles away at dawn of day. Trenton and Princeton furnished battle-fields On which the pride of Britain was brought low. Then came the time for haughty royalists To flee before their ragged enemies. Before another year had passed away Ships bore the Britons up the Chesapeake. At Brandywine the patriots were whipped; At Germantown repulsed with fearful loss. Again the Congress fled. Howe and his hosts Seized Philadelphia, and gave several months To merry revelry, with now and then Heroic work, burning defenseless homes. The patriots, meanwhile, at Valley Forge, Half starved, half clad, unshod, stained with their blood The snow on which they trod. But when spring came, Reports of help from France passed through the camp, Infusing hope and joy where nuffring reigned. Howe and his troops forsook their city friends, And sought a way of safety toward the sea. 'Tis nearly time that they should pass this way. Of Saratoga and the British force That there surrendered you have long since heard. I need not speak of Gates or of Burgoyne. Thus much about the progress of the war. What has been done in other fields of fame? Belial. At Philadelphia, I have long held sway O'er all the victims of degrading vice, And many of the lofty I've debased. 76 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Baal. Yes, not a few of the polite, the proud, The rich, the gay, the great have fallen low, Th' unhappy victims of degrading vice. In their humiliation I delight. Moloch. With fiendish satisfaction I have watched The starving, freezing troops at Valley Forge, And, gloating over Washington's distress, Have wondered how much anguish he could bear. Mammon. I too have done my part to crush the chief, By tempting the most covetous to hoard What might have bought supplies for freezing men. Satan. A bolder, more destructive work was mine : I turned the hearts of patriots from their chief, And undermined their confidence in him; Not in his virtues, but his generalship. I told of Gates and his great victory, Of proud Charles Leo and his accomplishments; I led them to desire a daring chief, Ready to take great risks and end the strife. I puffed up Coriway, with such self-conceit That even he aspired to leadership. The simpleton deceived and led astray Some of the purest of the patriots. But mortifying failure marred our plans. The patriot leader, proof against our plots, Sublimely tow'red above all rivalry. But proud old Lee, still under my control, Will sorely vex the chieftain here to-day. I hear the booming of artillery. Ha! ha! The tide of battle flows this way! Mars. Hold, Satan, I must mingle in this fight ! Moloch. And I must gloat upon the sufferings Of thousands battling on this sultry day. Mammon. I go to gather up the spoils of war. Belial. And I to riot amid vilest deeds. BATTLE OF MON MOUTH. 77 Satan. In full retreat the Continentals come. Charles Lee has done as I instructed him. An English heart beats warmly in his breast; 'Tis full of rage at Washington to-day. And yonder comes the chief to meet the foe. He checks and turns retreating soldiery. 'Tis British troops now haste in mad retreat: But what a vision breaks upon my view As Washington meets Leel Never have I Seen such a countenance since Michael frowned On mo in our first conflict on the hills Of my own native heav'n 1 Sublimely grand, lie rides in manly majesty. Sternness, Severity, heroic rage, reproof, Rebuke, and lofty indignation blend With high authority in the great chief, As he, in startling thunder tones exclaims: " Halt, Gcn'ral Lee! In God's great name I ask Why all this ill-timed prudence here to-day?" Lee, with insulting nonchalance, replied : " Unless reports be false, no man has more Of that rascally virtue than yourself." " Go to the rear, insulting miscreant, go!" So said the chief. " Let all the brave, the true Forward with me to glorious victory." Forward they go, Lafayette, Sullivan, Charles Scott, and other horocs with their chief, Sweeping before them England's veterans. Scene : Louisville, Ky., Falls of the Ohio. Sunset, July SO, 1778. RAPHAEL, ZEPHON, ARIEL. Ariel. Comrades, from yonder lofty ridge is seen A landscape, the most grand and beautiful That charms the eye or melts the heart of man. Th' encircling hills, radiant in sunset hues, Seem piled in grandeur to protect from harm God's loveliest children in this paradise. That matchless river flows like molten gold Between bright shores of greenest emerald, Bedecked with flowers and enriched with fruits. 78 THE AMERICAN EPIC. 'Tis hero shall rise, in the blest years to come, Homes of the beautiful, the pure, the brave, Of maids most amiable, aud men most true. Zephon What men are these who seem to come from far, Toil-worn, yet joyful, to these rustic homes ? List to their shouts of triumph as they come! The town pours forth its happy denizens With glad congratulations on their tongues. See the young prattlers claim a father's kiss, And stalwart men press loved ones to their hearts. Sec joyful tears streaming from sparkling eyes, And love's own blushes glow on beauty's cluek! What makes these people all so jubilant ? Raphael. These are Virginia's brave and daring sons, Sent forth by her to wrest from enemies The broad domain that has been hers of right Nearly two centuries, and still is hers. TJncancelcd royal charters, oft renewed, Confirmed her title over all these lands From the Atlantic to Pacific's coast. When Franco intruded, her indignant sons Drove the proud Frenchmen from their heritage. When George the Third stretched Canada this way To check the spread of freedom in the West, They drove the land thieves of the king away In spite of all the claims of royalty. The Western forts surrendered by the French Have all boon used by British cruelty To arm the Indians for a deadly strife That spared not infancy nor womanhood. But these frontiersmen, at Virginia's call, Subdued her foes, and by their valor won The nascent empire she had well-nigh lost. The garrisons, surprised, laid down their arms, Surrendering to rightful ownership The vast, unmeasured region that extends From where the mighty rivers of the West Unite to seek the Gulf in company, GEORGE ROGERS CLARKE. 79 Up the broad streams each to its distant source, With space for eighty millions of the free To dwell securely through all coming time. No wonder, then, that heroes Hiich as these Receive the plaudits of their countrymen And wear fame's brightest, greenest laurel wreaths. Behold George Rogers Clarke, fame's fav'rite son ! Scene : Savannah, Ga., October 8, 1779. SATAN, MARS, MOLOCH, BELIAL. Mars. The dilatory tactics of these times Fill lofty spirits with intense disgust. Two warlike nations, mightiest of earth, Have been at war for two and twenty months Without a battle worthy of the name. Their mighty fleets, though well-equipped and manned, Avoid each other with great carefulness. The fear of storms excuses cowardice. Howe left the Delaware and sought New York; D'Estaing sailed into Newport, but sailed out Without a fight except with waves and winds; Then sailed to Boston to repair his ships. Leaving the Yankee army without help, T' escape from enemies as best they could. The cautious Frenchman with his ships is here; Six thousand fighting men obey his voice. As many Carolinians are in arms, But the slow movements of their officers Forbid the expectation of success. Meanwhile the war, if war it may be called, Drags its slow movements wearily along. Moloch. Mars, you should not belittle this great war. Have not the Butlers led the savages To desolate Wyoming, and destroy A thousand happy Pennsylvania homes ? Have they not given to the greedy flames New York's most peaceful, prosp'rous western towns ? Did not the patriots retaliate By burning forty Indian villages ? 80 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Belial. Yes, Mars, the torch performed most brilliant deeds At Norfolk, Portsmouth, and along the shores Of the broad Chesapeake. Connecticut Beheld the lurid flames that lighted up Norwalk, Fairfield, and other coast-wise towns; While cruel Tryon gazed and rocked and laughed. Mars. That was not war. 'Twas arson, murder, theft, Barbaric outrages on helplessness. For deeds like these does Britain's Parliament Vote twenty millions sterling and call out Thirty-five thousand troops, and of marines Eighty-five thousand more? In olden times My heathen heroes made no wars on babes. Men armed for battle were the foes they struck. Satan. But, Mars, whatever hurts the human race Gives satisfaction to malicious hate. You say that burning dwellings is not war; That killing babes and women is not war. When Piggott was repulsed by Sullivan, Losing three hundred of his bravest troops, Was not that war ? When Wayne, at Stony Point, Conquered six hundred men and took their stores, Destroyed their fort and bore its treasures off Was such a use of bayonets not war? When Major Lee with some militia-men Attacked the Jersey City garrison And saw two hundred of them bite the dust, Was not that war? Ask the whipped Tories if It was not war that Pickens waged on them When, near Broad River, hundreds of them fell. What was it, if not war, when Prevost and His forces took Fort Sunbury ; when Campbell took Augusta and Savannah ? What mean these ships, these soldiers, and marines ? They all mean war, as you shall soon admit. These are not cowards: steadily they march To storm the fort and drive the British out Or die in the attempt. There is D'Estaing, ATTACK ON SAVANNAH. 81 And there Pulaski, bravest of the Poles. See Lincoln leads his Carolinians K They vie with the brave French in gallantry. There Sergeant Jasper hastens to the front. The flags of France float proudly on the wall ; The banners of the patr'ts, too, are there. But, see, the redcoats hurl them down in haste ! Pulaski falls, and Jasper, too, is slain; D'Estaing is wounded ; Britons hold the fort ! Scene : Bank of Hudson River, September 24, 1780. SATAN, MAM MON, BELIAL. Mammon. What say you, Satan, to my grand campaign? I have, without a musket or a man, Injured the patr'ts more than tongue can tell. Clinton, Cornwallis, Rawdon, Tarleton, Howe, With all their troops and all their mighty fleets, Boast no achievements equal to my own. I have locked up the treasuries of States Against the pressing needs of starving men, Who battle bravely to protect their homes. Their great commander pleads, but pleads in vain: The miserly and covetous have joined To paralyze the armies he commands. Co-operation with the French is vain Unless supplies enable troops to march With those brave allies 'gainst the common foe. The patriot heroes can defy armed mert ; But shrink from want, starvation, nakedness Into the rav'ning jaws of greedy graves. The twelfth of May saw gallant Charleston fall, Amid the thunders of two hundred guns. Gates lost a thousand men on Camden's field ; Four thousand more were driven to their homes By destitution's cruel tyranny. Georgia lies prostrate at Britannia's feet: ' South Carolinia trembles in her chains, And ruin riots among Southern homes. Give me due credit for my wondrous work. Satan. You have my thanks for your great usefulness. 6 82 THE AMERICAN EPIC. Mammon. But more I claim for labors at the North. I've stirred the bravest troops to mutiny ; I've led to treason gifted officers. Arnold has sold himself for paltry gold ; Britain pays down to him ten thousand pounds, With the commission of a brigadier. Suspicion, scowling, stalks through patriot camps, Driving before her confidence and love. What say you, comrades, of my great success? Belial. I say 'twas I led Arnold to sell out. He has with me been " Hail-fellow, well met," Until in morals bankrupt, he is lost. But there he goes with Andre by his side. They part; Andre comes nearer. See him now Arrested by three men. He has betrayed And overthrown himself by his mistake. He tries to bribe his captors, but in vain. Yes, there are Paulding, Williams, and Van Wort, Patterns of valor and fidelity, With Andre, victim of base Arnold's guilt. Scene : Eutaw Springs, S. C., September 18, 1781. GABRIEL, ARIEL. Ariel. I watch to-day o'er pious Marion. But what brings hither mighty Gabriel ? Words fail to tell how glad I am to meet The honored leader of angelic bands, The trusted guardian of most prosp'rous States. G-dbriel. I watch the closing conflicts of the war. Light breaks upon the suff' ring colonies. 'Twill not be long till British troops retire, Leaving the blessing of self-government To the brave heroes of America. I've watched the struggle since it first began ; With deep displeasure seen the cruelties Inflicted by the British on their foes. Of late the traitor Arnold led the fiends, First in Virginia, then Connecticut Was made to suffer by her recreant son. Last January Tarleton fell upon Morgan's division of the troops of Greene. GREENE AT EUTAW SPRINGS. 83 'Twas at the Cowpens. Furious was the fight. The cavalry of William Washington Was hurled at Tarleton with resistless force. Wounded and whipped, he fled with haste and speed, Leaving a hundred dead upon the field. More than five hundred were made prisoners With muskets and artillery and stores. Cornwallis hastened to retrieve his loss, But Greene retreated with his prisoners, Crossed the Catawba, Yadkin, and the Dan, Saved by the rains from fast pursuing foes. Then, turning on his track, recrossed the Dan, Sent Light Horse Harry Lee to find and take Three hundred Tories who would Tarleton join. At Guilford Court-house Cornwallis and Greene Fought fiercely, but without a victory. The Britons, loudly boasting, marched away, To practice arson, theft, and robbery, Leaving Lord Rawdon to contend with Greene. With Rawdon Greene has fought at Hobkirk's Hill, Torn from him all the posts he held but three. His lordship went to Charleston recently, To aid Balfour in murd'ring General Hayne, And Stewart leads the battle here to-day. The fight begins; Greene is victorious. But see ! some hungry troops have broken ranks To feast themselves upon the spoils of war! A fearful error! Stewart now returns; Fighting begins again; Stewart gains ground He holds the field. So much for discipline! To-morrow will compel him to retreat. Less than two months will bring the patriots A triumph that will lead to final peace. See! there is Greene; there's Light Horse Harry Lee; Yonder is Pickens; Sumtcr comes this way; And here is Marion, soldier and saint. Scene: YorJdown, Va., October 19, 1781. Ships and camps in fu