THE LEBANON BOYS IN BOSTON.[1]

One windy day in March,[1]Ghost-white against the gray,A cruiser fleet, through snow and sleet,Made Narraganset Bay.There were smugglers in the bay,And smugglers on the shore;But loyal still to the royal willTen times as many more,—Ten times as many more,Though every smuggler thereBut thrived because of England’s laws[2]And taxes none could bear.Yet the cruiser’s captain drawl’d,The while he quaft his ale,“These islands low are full you know,Of fellows fled from jail,“Of Puritans fled from lawAnd kings they curse and fear.Aha!” he laugh’d, “our loyal craftHas brought the Cavalier!“Our guns will speak in tonesTo make the whole bay ring;And teach to each within their reachThe reverence due the king.“Their ships upon the bayShall heed our cannon’s call,And dip their flags,[3]or sail in rags,And yield us bounties all.[4]“Their sheep upon the shore,A royal tax will be.[4]No lack of food or kindling woodIs here,” quoth he, “for me!”There were smugglers in the bay,And smugglers on the shore;This craft, I ken, a band of menTen times as lawless bore.Our sheriff[5]went and warn’dTheir captain, o’er and o’er,To keep in sight the bounds of right,And not to plunder more.The captain waved his hand,Said he: “The fleet has madeA vow devout to carry outThe English ‘Acts of Trade.’”[6]Judge Hopkins[7]wrote him then:“Our men demand their due.”“I write because you break our laws,”Wrote Governor Wanton[7]too.The captain bade them goTo Boston with their plea;“Not his affair; the admiral[7]thereHad sent the ship to sea.”And then he turn’d away.One heard him mutter near:“I think I see the one they fee[8]Ship back his bounties here.”The judge and governor wroteThe admiral, who but sworeHis fleet would hang[9]the island gang,If they should vex him more.“The navy[10]know their trade,”His clerk to Wanton wrote;“In mere pretence and insolence[11]You board the sovereign’s[12]boat.”Wrote Wanton: “We shall askThe throne[13]to judge your note;And every time you hint of crime,[13]Shall board the sovereign’s boat.“The English crown should serveThe English people’s cause,And honor those, nor make them foes,Who stand by English laws.”But months and months went on.The cruiser fired away.None plied an oar, lived near the shore,But feared to be her prey.[4]Cried Captain Lindsey[14]then:“This outrage none should bide!Rhode Island grit must yet outwit,And trip the scoundrel’s pride.“He knows my packet here,And where I sail, and why;And if he will may sink me, stillHis guns will I defy.“If down we go, the law,Will float to stand upon;If that go too, this case is through;But, Britain, more anon!”So high his flag[15]he flew;And wide his jib he spread.The cruiser fired; her crew grew tired,Her captain wroth and red.“All hands aloft!” he cried;“All sail!” and at the words,The masts were fill’d with sailors drill’dTo climb and cling like birds.Wide flew each flapping sheet,And sagg’d and bagg’d the gale,And cloud-like lash’d the waves that dash’dAs if they felt a flail.When off of Nauquit[16]Point,Shrewd Lindsey knew his ground;He steer’d afar, and clear’d the bar;And then the ship swung round.[16]Up toss’d her canvas high;And dipp’d, as round she ran,The saucy way that seems to sayNow catch me if you can.The cruiser’s captain look’d,And mouth’d an awful oath:“Now catch I not, let fire and shotOr bottom catch us both.“Mind not the bar,” he cried,“Straight on! With depth to spare,[15]The tide is high, and, sailing by,We head them off up there.”Deep plow’d the cruiser’s prowThe broken waves below,So bows a bull whose pride is fullTo toss a stubborn foe.She plung’d and reel’d and roll’d.Ah, better had she tack’d!The water flew the bulwark through.The mainmast bent and crack’d.The wind, it whistled there;The boatswain whistled here.The captain swore; the mainsail tore;The jib had ript its gear.A flood was on the deck.The crew were floundering round.Then, clean and chill, and safe and still,The cruiser lay aground.[15]When Lindsey saw her fate,So loudly cheer’d his men,The hostile crew, that heard them, flewTo man their guns again.But Lindsey kept his course—He now could do no more—And told ere night the cruiser’s plightTo those he met on shore.[17]“There stays the ship,” said he,“Till lifted by the tide.”“Till Providence shall lift her thence,”John Brown,[17]his friend, replied.And Providence, at dusk,Was routed out to greetThe drumming fierce of Daniel Pierce[18]Who cried in every street:“The cruiser lies aground!High tide at three[18]o’clock!Who care to go and meet her so,Come all to Fenner’s[19]dock!”They came to Fenner’s dock;And found, awaiting there,Eight[19]yawls, that Brown[19]had lent the town,In Captain Whipple’s[19]care.The crews that mann’d the yawlsHad muffled[19]every oar;And they, and men who join’d them then,[20]All told, were sixty-four.[21]Their arms were pick’d with careFrom all their friends could loan;And all the yawls, for cannon balls,Were stock’d with paving-stone.[22]They battled wind and tide,Three hours[23]amid the gloom.The midnight pass’d.[23]They saw, at last,The cruiser’s bulwarks loom.“Who comes?” her watch call’d out.“Who comes!” her captain cried.Then swift alarm’d, in tones that arm’d,Her crew that toward him hied.“Move off!” her captain roar’d,His pistol aiming well;Then fired[23]—alack! fire answer’d back;He started, stagger’d, fell.And then, as dark and fierceAs tidal waves, where fleetsAre whelm’d and whirl’d and downward hurl’dTill death their deed completes,Our men, at Whipple’s[19]cry,“Up, up!” clear’d every check;And dash’d and leapt and slash’d and sweptAcross the cruiser’s deck.But hold!—her men were gone.Ours held the deck alone;Their work had done, nor fired a gun;The cruiser’s crew had flown.[24]“Surrender here!” rang out;And out the cabin glancedAt first a few, then all the crew;Then one and all advanced.“First know,” said Whipple then,“That here you sail no more;And next prepare your yawls to bearYourselves and yours ashore.”[25]The sailors went and came,They came with bags and coats.They call’d their roll, and said the wholeThey own’d was in their boats.Meantime our men themselves[26]The captain’s wound had dress’d;And row’d him, sore but safe, ashoreWith all that he possess’d.[27]“All hands embark!” rang out;And all the yawls were full;Save one whose crew had more to doWhile off the rest should pull.This crew the cruiser fired,[28]Till smoke, well under way,Flew up the mast as white and fastAs e’er, of old, the spray.Then swiftly they embark’d,And swiftly they withdrew;As flash’d the fire, and, streaming higher,The red flag redder flew.The cruiser burn’d in state,Until she burst at last[28]With every ball she bore and allHer powder in the blast.It fill’d the heaven above,But not to heaven was given:A wounded cloud roar’d long and loud;Then back the whole was driven.When all was o’er, there seem’dFaint sparks to fill the place—“There comes,” said one, “the morning sun;A new day dawns apace!”It dawn’d for these, at least;When soon they hove in sightOf pier on pier pack’d full to cheerThose heroes of the night.But hist! the cheers were check’d.“Keep mum!” the murmur spread;The crown, to get these men, had setA price on every head.“Five hundred dollars down,[29]For him who tells of one,”Was first proclaim’d: but no one namedA man who aught had done.“Five thousand,”[30]then were pledged,“To know who took the lead;And half as much to know of suchAs join’d him in the deed.”The King’s commission,[31]last,Sat half a year or more;But not a word it ever heardAbout the sixty-four.Forgotten were they then?They might have pass’d by day,Without a wink to make you think,Or hint that it was they.But, when the night had come;And door and blind were lock’d,And window fast, and blew the blastTill all the chimney rock’d;When, safe from eyes and ears,In homes where all were true,The way those men were feasted thenA king, full well, might rue.And when the board was bare;And round the roaring fire,The nuts were crack’d and cider smack’dTill tooth and tongue would tire;When each his tale would tellAbout that ship and night,And still the way he dodg’d, each day,The British spy and spite;The boys who husk’d the cornWould forward bend, and spring,And draw the ears, like swords, with cheers,To make the rafters ring!The host who stirr’d the fireWould stab it through and through:You might have thought the flames he broughtHad burn’d a cruiser too.The girls would fancy thenIt was the cruiser flared;And round the walls would aim like ballsThe apples red they pared.“To arms!” would cry the men;And each a maid purloin;While mother’s yarn would snap, and darnThe dance that all would join.Ah, so we hush’d the tale!Yet spies that nigh would roamCould not decoy the smallest boyTo tell what pass’d at home.We hush’d it, till the hushBecame our countersignTo save from those we knew were foes,And make our men combine.We hush’d it, till we learn’dThat thousands would be free,And long’d to know which way to goAnd when the call would be.We hush’d it, till we heardWhat Concord had to bear;Then shouted loud, a mighty crowd,“Our heroes lead us there!”

One windy day in March,[1]Ghost-white against the gray,A cruiser fleet, through snow and sleet,Made Narraganset Bay.

One windy day in March,[1]

Ghost-white against the gray,

A cruiser fleet, through snow and sleet,

Made Narraganset Bay.

There were smugglers in the bay,And smugglers on the shore;But loyal still to the royal willTen times as many more,—

There were smugglers in the bay,

And smugglers on the shore;

But loyal still to the royal will

Ten times as many more,—

Ten times as many more,Though every smuggler thereBut thrived because of England’s laws[2]And taxes none could bear.

Ten times as many more,

Though every smuggler there

But thrived because of England’s laws[2]

And taxes none could bear.

Yet the cruiser’s captain drawl’d,The while he quaft his ale,“These islands low are full you know,Of fellows fled from jail,

Yet the cruiser’s captain drawl’d,

The while he quaft his ale,

“These islands low are full you know,

Of fellows fled from jail,

“Of Puritans fled from lawAnd kings they curse and fear.Aha!” he laugh’d, “our loyal craftHas brought the Cavalier!

“Of Puritans fled from law

And kings they curse and fear.

Aha!” he laugh’d, “our loyal craft

Has brought the Cavalier!

“Our guns will speak in tonesTo make the whole bay ring;And teach to each within their reachThe reverence due the king.

“Our guns will speak in tones

To make the whole bay ring;

And teach to each within their reach

The reverence due the king.

“Their ships upon the bayShall heed our cannon’s call,And dip their flags,[3]or sail in rags,And yield us bounties all.[4]

“Their ships upon the bay

Shall heed our cannon’s call,

And dip their flags,[3]or sail in rags,

And yield us bounties all.[4]

“Their sheep upon the shore,A royal tax will be.[4]No lack of food or kindling woodIs here,” quoth he, “for me!”

“Their sheep upon the shore,

A royal tax will be.[4]

No lack of food or kindling wood

Is here,” quoth he, “for me!”

There were smugglers in the bay,And smugglers on the shore;This craft, I ken, a band of menTen times as lawless bore.

There were smugglers in the bay,

And smugglers on the shore;

This craft, I ken, a band of men

Ten times as lawless bore.

Our sheriff[5]went and warn’dTheir captain, o’er and o’er,To keep in sight the bounds of right,And not to plunder more.

Our sheriff[5]went and warn’d

Their captain, o’er and o’er,

To keep in sight the bounds of right,

And not to plunder more.

The captain waved his hand,Said he: “The fleet has madeA vow devout to carry outThe English ‘Acts of Trade.’”[6]

The captain waved his hand,

Said he: “The fleet has made

A vow devout to carry out

The English ‘Acts of Trade.’”[6]

Judge Hopkins[7]wrote him then:“Our men demand their due.”“I write because you break our laws,”Wrote Governor Wanton[7]too.

Judge Hopkins[7]wrote him then:

“Our men demand their due.”

“I write because you break our laws,”

Wrote Governor Wanton[7]too.

The captain bade them goTo Boston with their plea;“Not his affair; the admiral[7]thereHad sent the ship to sea.”

The captain bade them go

To Boston with their plea;

“Not his affair; the admiral[7]there

Had sent the ship to sea.”

And then he turn’d away.One heard him mutter near:“I think I see the one they fee[8]Ship back his bounties here.”

And then he turn’d away.

One heard him mutter near:

“I think I see the one they fee[8]

Ship back his bounties here.”

The judge and governor wroteThe admiral, who but sworeHis fleet would hang[9]the island gang,If they should vex him more.

The judge and governor wrote

The admiral, who but swore

His fleet would hang[9]the island gang,

If they should vex him more.

“The navy[10]know their trade,”His clerk to Wanton wrote;“In mere pretence and insolence[11]You board the sovereign’s[12]boat.”

“The navy[10]know their trade,”

His clerk to Wanton wrote;

“In mere pretence and insolence[11]

You board the sovereign’s[12]boat.”

Wrote Wanton: “We shall askThe throne[13]to judge your note;And every time you hint of crime,[13]Shall board the sovereign’s boat.

Wrote Wanton: “We shall ask

The throne[13]to judge your note;

And every time you hint of crime,[13]

Shall board the sovereign’s boat.

“The English crown should serveThe English people’s cause,And honor those, nor make them foes,Who stand by English laws.”

“The English crown should serve

The English people’s cause,

And honor those, nor make them foes,

Who stand by English laws.”

But months and months went on.The cruiser fired away.None plied an oar, lived near the shore,But feared to be her prey.[4]

But months and months went on.

The cruiser fired away.

None plied an oar, lived near the shore,

But feared to be her prey.[4]

Cried Captain Lindsey[14]then:“This outrage none should bide!Rhode Island grit must yet outwit,And trip the scoundrel’s pride.

Cried Captain Lindsey[14]then:

“This outrage none should bide!

Rhode Island grit must yet outwit,

And trip the scoundrel’s pride.

“He knows my packet here,And where I sail, and why;And if he will may sink me, stillHis guns will I defy.

“He knows my packet here,

And where I sail, and why;

And if he will may sink me, still

His guns will I defy.

“If down we go, the law,Will float to stand upon;If that go too, this case is through;But, Britain, more anon!”

“If down we go, the law,

Will float to stand upon;

If that go too, this case is through;

But, Britain, more anon!”

So high his flag[15]he flew;And wide his jib he spread.The cruiser fired; her crew grew tired,Her captain wroth and red.

So high his flag[15]he flew;

And wide his jib he spread.

The cruiser fired; her crew grew tired,

Her captain wroth and red.

“All hands aloft!” he cried;“All sail!” and at the words,The masts were fill’d with sailors drill’dTo climb and cling like birds.

“All hands aloft!” he cried;

“All sail!” and at the words,

The masts were fill’d with sailors drill’d

To climb and cling like birds.

Wide flew each flapping sheet,And sagg’d and bagg’d the gale,And cloud-like lash’d the waves that dash’dAs if they felt a flail.

Wide flew each flapping sheet,

And sagg’d and bagg’d the gale,

And cloud-like lash’d the waves that dash’d

As if they felt a flail.

When off of Nauquit[16]Point,Shrewd Lindsey knew his ground;He steer’d afar, and clear’d the bar;And then the ship swung round.[16]

When off of Nauquit[16]Point,

Shrewd Lindsey knew his ground;

He steer’d afar, and clear’d the bar;

And then the ship swung round.[16]

Up toss’d her canvas high;And dipp’d, as round she ran,The saucy way that seems to sayNow catch me if you can.

Up toss’d her canvas high;

And dipp’d, as round she ran,

The saucy way that seems to say

Now catch me if you can.

The cruiser’s captain look’d,And mouth’d an awful oath:“Now catch I not, let fire and shotOr bottom catch us both.

The cruiser’s captain look’d,

And mouth’d an awful oath:

“Now catch I not, let fire and shot

Or bottom catch us both.

“Mind not the bar,” he cried,“Straight on! With depth to spare,[15]The tide is high, and, sailing by,We head them off up there.”

“Mind not the bar,” he cried,

“Straight on! With depth to spare,[15]

The tide is high, and, sailing by,

We head them off up there.”

Deep plow’d the cruiser’s prowThe broken waves below,So bows a bull whose pride is fullTo toss a stubborn foe.

Deep plow’d the cruiser’s prow

The broken waves below,

So bows a bull whose pride is full

To toss a stubborn foe.

She plung’d and reel’d and roll’d.Ah, better had she tack’d!The water flew the bulwark through.The mainmast bent and crack’d.

She plung’d and reel’d and roll’d.

Ah, better had she tack’d!

The water flew the bulwark through.

The mainmast bent and crack’d.

The wind, it whistled there;The boatswain whistled here.The captain swore; the mainsail tore;The jib had ript its gear.

The wind, it whistled there;

The boatswain whistled here.

The captain swore; the mainsail tore;

The jib had ript its gear.

A flood was on the deck.The crew were floundering round.Then, clean and chill, and safe and still,The cruiser lay aground.[15]

A flood was on the deck.

The crew were floundering round.

Then, clean and chill, and safe and still,

The cruiser lay aground.[15]

When Lindsey saw her fate,So loudly cheer’d his men,The hostile crew, that heard them, flewTo man their guns again.

When Lindsey saw her fate,

So loudly cheer’d his men,

The hostile crew, that heard them, flew

To man their guns again.

But Lindsey kept his course—He now could do no more—And told ere night the cruiser’s plightTo those he met on shore.[17]

But Lindsey kept his course—

He now could do no more—

And told ere night the cruiser’s plight

To those he met on shore.[17]

“There stays the ship,” said he,“Till lifted by the tide.”“Till Providence shall lift her thence,”John Brown,[17]his friend, replied.

“There stays the ship,” said he,

“Till lifted by the tide.”

“Till Providence shall lift her thence,”

John Brown,[17]his friend, replied.

And Providence, at dusk,Was routed out to greetThe drumming fierce of Daniel Pierce[18]Who cried in every street:

And Providence, at dusk,

Was routed out to greet

The drumming fierce of Daniel Pierce[18]

Who cried in every street:

“The cruiser lies aground!High tide at three[18]o’clock!Who care to go and meet her so,Come all to Fenner’s[19]dock!”

“The cruiser lies aground!

High tide at three[18]o’clock!

Who care to go and meet her so,

Come all to Fenner’s[19]dock!”

They came to Fenner’s dock;And found, awaiting there,Eight[19]yawls, that Brown[19]had lent the town,In Captain Whipple’s[19]care.

They came to Fenner’s dock;

And found, awaiting there,

Eight[19]yawls, that Brown[19]had lent the town,

In Captain Whipple’s[19]care.

The crews that mann’d the yawlsHad muffled[19]every oar;And they, and men who join’d them then,[20]All told, were sixty-four.[21]

The crews that mann’d the yawls

Had muffled[19]every oar;

And they, and men who join’d them then,[20]

All told, were sixty-four.[21]

Their arms were pick’d with careFrom all their friends could loan;And all the yawls, for cannon balls,Were stock’d with paving-stone.[22]

Their arms were pick’d with care

From all their friends could loan;

And all the yawls, for cannon balls,

Were stock’d with paving-stone.[22]

They battled wind and tide,Three hours[23]amid the gloom.The midnight pass’d.[23]They saw, at last,The cruiser’s bulwarks loom.

They battled wind and tide,

Three hours[23]amid the gloom.

The midnight pass’d.[23]They saw, at last,

The cruiser’s bulwarks loom.

“Who comes?” her watch call’d out.“Who comes!” her captain cried.Then swift alarm’d, in tones that arm’d,Her crew that toward him hied.

“Who comes?” her watch call’d out.

“Who comes!” her captain cried.

Then swift alarm’d, in tones that arm’d,

Her crew that toward him hied.

“Move off!” her captain roar’d,His pistol aiming well;Then fired[23]—alack! fire answer’d back;He started, stagger’d, fell.

“Move off!” her captain roar’d,

His pistol aiming well;

Then fired[23]—alack! fire answer’d back;

He started, stagger’d, fell.

And then, as dark and fierceAs tidal waves, where fleetsAre whelm’d and whirl’d and downward hurl’dTill death their deed completes,

And then, as dark and fierce

As tidal waves, where fleets

Are whelm’d and whirl’d and downward hurl’d

Till death their deed completes,

Our men, at Whipple’s[19]cry,“Up, up!” clear’d every check;And dash’d and leapt and slash’d and sweptAcross the cruiser’s deck.

Our men, at Whipple’s[19]cry,

“Up, up!” clear’d every check;

And dash’d and leapt and slash’d and swept

Across the cruiser’s deck.

But hold!—her men were gone.Ours held the deck alone;Their work had done, nor fired a gun;The cruiser’s crew had flown.[24]

But hold!—her men were gone.

Ours held the deck alone;

Their work had done, nor fired a gun;

The cruiser’s crew had flown.[24]

“Surrender here!” rang out;And out the cabin glancedAt first a few, then all the crew;Then one and all advanced.

“Surrender here!” rang out;

And out the cabin glanced

At first a few, then all the crew;

Then one and all advanced.

“First know,” said Whipple then,“That here you sail no more;And next prepare your yawls to bearYourselves and yours ashore.”[25]

“First know,” said Whipple then,

“That here you sail no more;

And next prepare your yawls to bear

Yourselves and yours ashore.”[25]

The sailors went and came,They came with bags and coats.They call’d their roll, and said the wholeThey own’d was in their boats.

The sailors went and came,

They came with bags and coats.

They call’d their roll, and said the whole

They own’d was in their boats.

Meantime our men themselves[26]The captain’s wound had dress’d;And row’d him, sore but safe, ashoreWith all that he possess’d.[27]

Meantime our men themselves[26]

The captain’s wound had dress’d;

And row’d him, sore but safe, ashore

With all that he possess’d.[27]

“All hands embark!” rang out;And all the yawls were full;Save one whose crew had more to doWhile off the rest should pull.

“All hands embark!” rang out;

And all the yawls were full;

Save one whose crew had more to do

While off the rest should pull.

This crew the cruiser fired,[28]Till smoke, well under way,Flew up the mast as white and fastAs e’er, of old, the spray.

This crew the cruiser fired,[28]

Till smoke, well under way,

Flew up the mast as white and fast

As e’er, of old, the spray.

Then swiftly they embark’d,And swiftly they withdrew;As flash’d the fire, and, streaming higher,The red flag redder flew.

Then swiftly they embark’d,

And swiftly they withdrew;

As flash’d the fire, and, streaming higher,

The red flag redder flew.

The cruiser burn’d in state,Until she burst at last[28]With every ball she bore and allHer powder in the blast.

The cruiser burn’d in state,

Until she burst at last[28]

With every ball she bore and all

Her powder in the blast.

It fill’d the heaven above,But not to heaven was given:A wounded cloud roar’d long and loud;Then back the whole was driven.

It fill’d the heaven above,

But not to heaven was given:

A wounded cloud roar’d long and loud;

Then back the whole was driven.

When all was o’er, there seem’dFaint sparks to fill the place—“There comes,” said one, “the morning sun;A new day dawns apace!”

When all was o’er, there seem’d

Faint sparks to fill the place—

“There comes,” said one, “the morning sun;

A new day dawns apace!”

It dawn’d for these, at least;When soon they hove in sightOf pier on pier pack’d full to cheerThose heroes of the night.

It dawn’d for these, at least;

When soon they hove in sight

Of pier on pier pack’d full to cheer

Those heroes of the night.

But hist! the cheers were check’d.“Keep mum!” the murmur spread;The crown, to get these men, had setA price on every head.

But hist! the cheers were check’d.

“Keep mum!” the murmur spread;

The crown, to get these men, had set

A price on every head.

“Five hundred dollars down,[29]For him who tells of one,”Was first proclaim’d: but no one namedA man who aught had done.

“Five hundred dollars down,[29]

For him who tells of one,”

Was first proclaim’d: but no one named

A man who aught had done.

“Five thousand,”[30]then were pledged,“To know who took the lead;And half as much to know of suchAs join’d him in the deed.”

“Five thousand,”[30]then were pledged,

“To know who took the lead;

And half as much to know of such

As join’d him in the deed.”

The King’s commission,[31]last,Sat half a year or more;But not a word it ever heardAbout the sixty-four.

The King’s commission,[31]last,

Sat half a year or more;

But not a word it ever heard

About the sixty-four.

Forgotten were they then?They might have pass’d by day,Without a wink to make you think,Or hint that it was they.

Forgotten were they then?

They might have pass’d by day,

Without a wink to make you think,

Or hint that it was they.

But, when the night had come;And door and blind were lock’d,And window fast, and blew the blastTill all the chimney rock’d;

But, when the night had come;

And door and blind were lock’d,

And window fast, and blew the blast

Till all the chimney rock’d;

When, safe from eyes and ears,In homes where all were true,The way those men were feasted thenA king, full well, might rue.

When, safe from eyes and ears,

In homes where all were true,

The way those men were feasted then

A king, full well, might rue.

And when the board was bare;And round the roaring fire,The nuts were crack’d and cider smack’dTill tooth and tongue would tire;

And when the board was bare;

And round the roaring fire,

The nuts were crack’d and cider smack’d

Till tooth and tongue would tire;

When each his tale would tellAbout that ship and night,And still the way he dodg’d, each day,The British spy and spite;

When each his tale would tell

About that ship and night,

And still the way he dodg’d, each day,

The British spy and spite;

The boys who husk’d the cornWould forward bend, and spring,And draw the ears, like swords, with cheers,To make the rafters ring!

The boys who husk’d the corn

Would forward bend, and spring,

And draw the ears, like swords, with cheers,

To make the rafters ring!

The host who stirr’d the fireWould stab it through and through:You might have thought the flames he broughtHad burn’d a cruiser too.

The host who stirr’d the fire

Would stab it through and through:

You might have thought the flames he brought

Had burn’d a cruiser too.

The girls would fancy thenIt was the cruiser flared;And round the walls would aim like ballsThe apples red they pared.

The girls would fancy then

It was the cruiser flared;

And round the walls would aim like balls

The apples red they pared.

“To arms!” would cry the men;And each a maid purloin;While mother’s yarn would snap, and darnThe dance that all would join.

“To arms!” would cry the men;

And each a maid purloin;

While mother’s yarn would snap, and darn

The dance that all would join.

Ah, so we hush’d the tale!Yet spies that nigh would roamCould not decoy the smallest boyTo tell what pass’d at home.

Ah, so we hush’d the tale!

Yet spies that nigh would roam

Could not decoy the smallest boy

To tell what pass’d at home.

We hush’d it, till the hushBecame our countersignTo save from those we knew were foes,And make our men combine.

We hush’d it, till the hush

Became our countersign

To save from those we knew were foes,

And make our men combine.

We hush’d it, till we learn’dThat thousands would be free,And long’d to know which way to goAnd when the call would be.

We hush’d it, till we learn’d

That thousands would be free,

And long’d to know which way to go

And when the call would be.

We hush’d it, till we heardWhat Concord had to bear;Then shouted loud, a mighty crowd,“Our heroes lead us there!”

We hush’d it, till we heard

What Concord had to bear;

Then shouted loud, a mighty crowd,

“Our heroes lead us there!”

FOOTNOTES[1]She first appeared in ... Narraganset Bay in March, 1772, ... to prevent infraction of the revenue laws, and to put a stop to ... illicit trade.—Lossing’s Pic. Field Book of the Rev., vol. ii., ch. 3, p. 60.[2]See “Our First Break with the British,” notes 5, 19, 20, 24.[3]“Often fired ... to compel their masters to take down their colors in its presence—a haughty marine Gesler.”—Idem., p. 61.[4]“Plundered the islands of sheep and hogs, cut down trees, fired at market boats, detained vessels without any colorable pretext, and made illegal seizures of goods of which the recovery cost more than they were worth.”—Bancroft’s Hist. U. S., vol. vi., ch. 47, p. 417.[5]“The Governor, ... sent a sheriff on board the Gaspee.”—Idem.[6]SeeIdem., vol. iv., ch. 8. Also “Our First Break with the British,” Note 19.[7]“Hopkins, the Chief Justice, ... gave the opinion that any person who should ... exercise any authority by force of arms without showing his commission to the governor ... guilty of a trespass if not piracy.”—Idem., vol. vi., ch. 47, p. 416. “The governor, therefore, sent ... to ascertain by what orders the lieutenant acted; and Duddington referred the subject to the admiral.”—Idem.[8]See “Our First Break with the British,” Note 20.[9]“As sure as the people of Newport attempt to rescue any vessel, ... I will hang them as pirates.”—Idem., p. 417.[10]“The Admiral answered from Boston: ‘The lieutenant, sir, has done his duty.’”—Idem., p. 416.[11]“Your two insolent letters.”—Lossing’s Pic. Field Book, vol. ii., ch. 3.[12]“I would advise you not to send your sheriff on board the king’s ship again on such ridiculous errands.”—Idem.[13]“I shall transmit your letter to the Secretary of State.... I will send the sheriff of this colony at any time, and to any place within the body of it, as I shall think fit.”—Idem.[14]“On the 9th of June, 1772, Captain Lindsey left Newport for Providence in his packet.”—Idem.“Called the Hannah and sailed between New York and Providence.”—Idem.,note.[15]“As Captain Lindsey, on this occasion, kept his colors flying, the Gaspee gave chase, and continued it as far as Namquit (now Gaspee) Point. The tide was ebbing, but the bar was covered. As soon as Lindsey doubled the Point, he stood to the westward. Duddington, commander of the Gaspee, eager to overtake the pursued, and ignorant of the extent of the submerged point from the shore, kept on a straight course, and in a few minutes struck the sand. The fast-ebbing tide soon left his vessel hopelessly grounded.”—Idem.[16]Namquit, according to Lossing; Nauquit, according to Bancroft.[17]“Lindsey arrived at Providence at sunset, and ... communicated the fact to Mr. John Brown, one of the leading merchants of that city.”—Lossing’s Pic. Field Book, v. ii., ch. 3.[18]“At dusk ... Daniel Pearce passed along the Main Street beating a drum, and informing the inhabitants that the Gaspee lay aground, ... that she could not get off until three o’clock, and inviting,” etc.—Idem.[19]Brown “ordered the preparation of eight of the largest long-boats in the harbor, to be placed under the general command of Captain Whipple, one of his most trusty ship-masters,” ... “the row-locks to be muffled, and the whole put in readiness at half-past eight at Fenner’s wharf.”—Idem.[20]“The principal actors in this affair were John Brown, Capt. Abraham Whipple, John B. Hopkins, Benjamin Dunn, Dr. John Mawney, Benjamin Page, Joseph Bucklin, Turpin Smith, Ephraim Bowen, and Capt. Joseph Tillinghast.”—Idem.“Led by John Brown and Joseph Brown of Providence, and Simeon Potter of Bristol.”—Bancroft’s U. S., vol. vi., ch. 47.[21]“Filled with sixty-four well-armed men, a sea-captain in each boat acting as a steersman.”—Lossing’s Pict. Field Book of the Rev., vol. ii., ch. 3.[22]“They took with them a quantity of wood paving-stone.”—Idem.[23]“The boats left Providence between ten and eleven.... Between one and two ... they reached the Gaspee, when a sentinel hailed them.... Duddington appeared, ... and waving the boats off fired a pistol at them. This ... we returned.... Duddington was wounded.”—Idem.[24]“The crew retreating below.”—Idem.[25]“The schooner’s company were ordered to collect their clothing and leave the vessel.”—Idem.[26]“Thomas Bucklin ... fired the musket.”... He afterwards assisted in dressing the wound, supervised by Dr. John Mawney, an American.—Idem., note.[27]“All the effects of ... Duddington being carefully placed in one of the American boats.”—Idem.[28]“TheGaspeewas set on fire, and at dawn blew up.”—Idem.[29]“A reward of five hundred dollars for the discovery of the perpetrator of said villainy.”—Idem.[30]“Afterwards, ... a reward of five thousand dollars for the leader and two thousand five hundred ... the other parties.”—Idem.[31]“A commission of inquiry under the great seal of England ... sat from the 4th until the 22d of January ... adjourned until ... May ... and sat until the 23d of June. But not a solitary clue to the identity of the perpetrators could be obtained.”—Idem.

[1]She first appeared in ... Narraganset Bay in March, 1772, ... to prevent infraction of the revenue laws, and to put a stop to ... illicit trade.—Lossing’s Pic. Field Book of the Rev., vol. ii., ch. 3, p. 60.

[2]See “Our First Break with the British,” notes 5, 19, 20, 24.

[3]“Often fired ... to compel their masters to take down their colors in its presence—a haughty marine Gesler.”—Idem., p. 61.

[4]“Plundered the islands of sheep and hogs, cut down trees, fired at market boats, detained vessels without any colorable pretext, and made illegal seizures of goods of which the recovery cost more than they were worth.”—Bancroft’s Hist. U. S., vol. vi., ch. 47, p. 417.

[5]“The Governor, ... sent a sheriff on board the Gaspee.”—Idem.

[6]SeeIdem., vol. iv., ch. 8. Also “Our First Break with the British,” Note 19.

[7]“Hopkins, the Chief Justice, ... gave the opinion that any person who should ... exercise any authority by force of arms without showing his commission to the governor ... guilty of a trespass if not piracy.”—Idem., vol. vi., ch. 47, p. 416. “The governor, therefore, sent ... to ascertain by what orders the lieutenant acted; and Duddington referred the subject to the admiral.”—Idem.

[8]See “Our First Break with the British,” Note 20.

[9]“As sure as the people of Newport attempt to rescue any vessel, ... I will hang them as pirates.”—Idem., p. 417.

[10]“The Admiral answered from Boston: ‘The lieutenant, sir, has done his duty.’”—Idem., p. 416.

[11]“Your two insolent letters.”—Lossing’s Pic. Field Book, vol. ii., ch. 3.

[12]“I would advise you not to send your sheriff on board the king’s ship again on such ridiculous errands.”—Idem.

[13]“I shall transmit your letter to the Secretary of State.... I will send the sheriff of this colony at any time, and to any place within the body of it, as I shall think fit.”—Idem.

[14]“On the 9th of June, 1772, Captain Lindsey left Newport for Providence in his packet.”—Idem.“Called the Hannah and sailed between New York and Providence.”—Idem.,note.

[15]“As Captain Lindsey, on this occasion, kept his colors flying, the Gaspee gave chase, and continued it as far as Namquit (now Gaspee) Point. The tide was ebbing, but the bar was covered. As soon as Lindsey doubled the Point, he stood to the westward. Duddington, commander of the Gaspee, eager to overtake the pursued, and ignorant of the extent of the submerged point from the shore, kept on a straight course, and in a few minutes struck the sand. The fast-ebbing tide soon left his vessel hopelessly grounded.”—Idem.

[16]Namquit, according to Lossing; Nauquit, according to Bancroft.

[17]“Lindsey arrived at Providence at sunset, and ... communicated the fact to Mr. John Brown, one of the leading merchants of that city.”—Lossing’s Pic. Field Book, v. ii., ch. 3.

[18]“At dusk ... Daniel Pearce passed along the Main Street beating a drum, and informing the inhabitants that the Gaspee lay aground, ... that she could not get off until three o’clock, and inviting,” etc.—Idem.

[19]Brown “ordered the preparation of eight of the largest long-boats in the harbor, to be placed under the general command of Captain Whipple, one of his most trusty ship-masters,” ... “the row-locks to be muffled, and the whole put in readiness at half-past eight at Fenner’s wharf.”—Idem.

[20]“The principal actors in this affair were John Brown, Capt. Abraham Whipple, John B. Hopkins, Benjamin Dunn, Dr. John Mawney, Benjamin Page, Joseph Bucklin, Turpin Smith, Ephraim Bowen, and Capt. Joseph Tillinghast.”—Idem.“Led by John Brown and Joseph Brown of Providence, and Simeon Potter of Bristol.”—Bancroft’s U. S., vol. vi., ch. 47.

[21]“Filled with sixty-four well-armed men, a sea-captain in each boat acting as a steersman.”—Lossing’s Pict. Field Book of the Rev., vol. ii., ch. 3.

[22]“They took with them a quantity of wood paving-stone.”—Idem.

[23]“The boats left Providence between ten and eleven.... Between one and two ... they reached the Gaspee, when a sentinel hailed them.... Duddington appeared, ... and waving the boats off fired a pistol at them. This ... we returned.... Duddington was wounded.”—Idem.

[24]“The crew retreating below.”—Idem.

[25]“The schooner’s company were ordered to collect their clothing and leave the vessel.”—Idem.

[26]“Thomas Bucklin ... fired the musket.”... He afterwards assisted in dressing the wound, supervised by Dr. John Mawney, an American.—Idem., note.

[27]“All the effects of ... Duddington being carefully placed in one of the American boats.”—Idem.

[28]“TheGaspeewas set on fire, and at dawn blew up.”—Idem.

[29]“A reward of five hundred dollars for the discovery of the perpetrator of said villainy.”—Idem.

[30]“Afterwards, ... a reward of five thousand dollars for the leader and two thousand five hundred ... the other parties.”—Idem.

[31]“A commission of inquiry under the great seal of England ... sat from the 4th until the 22d of January ... adjourned until ... May ... and sat until the 23d of June. But not a solitary clue to the identity of the perpetrators could be obtained.”—Idem.

The Tea-Party, December 16, 1773.

“New trouble brews in Boston,”Was told us half the year;Yet every week the postman cameWith something new to fear.“Our freedom,” so they wrote soon,“Such progress here begetsThat England seeks to check it[2]With swords and bayonets.“Their foreign ‘Board of Customs,’[3]Past our laws’ reach, they say,Here pluck from us their living,As vultures from their prey.Ah! would we keep our freedom,We must not basely yield,But claim our rights,[4]as when of oldThe Stamp Act was repeal’d.”We read, and thought togetherThat something must be done;And we were those to do it,We boys of Lebanon.The words of Samuel Adams[4]We heard a neighbor quote:“They silence our Assembly;[5]A sword is at its throat;Our charter is their target,Our judgment-seat their fort,[6]Our men they rob for rations,Our boys they shoot for sport;Our faith that their horizon burstAnd zenith held not down,Their Toleration Law[7]would forceTo cringe beneath the crown.I care not what to othersA loyal feeling brings;To me it still will loyal beTo serve the King of kings.”[8]We heard, and swore togetherThat work must be begun;And we were those to do it,We boys of Lebanon.We signed a pledge of “Union.”To all the land we wrote.We went to meet the postman.We read the Boston note:“In Union only is there strength;And strength is all our stay.Alas that some divide us!Alas that some give way!Once none would touch a thing they tax;To-day the weak agree,And say: ‘Enough if none will taste,If none will trade in tea.’[9]The lords have found our weakness out;And now are talking thus:That India’s losing tradersMay bring tea free to us.[10]Ay, ay, as if these would not heapHer lap with tribute gold,‘Let them,’ says England, ‘take the tax;Let them the duties hold.’“Already bound for Boston,May tea be on the waves,A bait flung out to tempt usTo touch, and then be slaves.And if our strong men falter,Nor thrust this bait away,How can the weak be kept from allThat makes us England’s prey?“And yet, if we in BostonTo thwart the throne conspire,Our town may prove an altar,Our fortunes melt in fire.The sacrifice is ready;Yet first we wait reply,[11]To know we own a countryTo save, before we die.”[12]We met, and swore together,If fighting must be done,In Boston we would do it,We boys of Lebanon.We started out at midnight,And took the Indian suits,Our fathers’ trophies from the warsWhere all had been recruits.We pack’d them up in knapsacks,And then with each a gunAnd tomahawk away we walk’dIn pairs or one by one.By day we kept the forests;But when the sun was down,We hurried on to Boston,And scatter’d through the town.We hunted out our cousins.We told them why we came.“Aha,” said they, “we plot the same.We join you in the game.”They show’d us then, at morning,The “Tree of Liberty,”Where those who plann’d the Stamp Act[13]Had hung in effigy.A pole was now beside it;A flag it bore flew high;[14]The church bells all were ringing;A crowd had gather’d nigh.“To see this tree, the agentOf stamps,” we heard, “resign’d.Here too East India’s agentShould learn the people’s mind:The tea sent here to tax usUntouch’d away shall go;Or all will brand its consignee,Our own, our country’s foe.”[15]The people cheer’d the purpose;From lip to lip it pass’d;The crowd about went homeward;The sky was overcast.Each agent heard the message;No promise would he sign.[16]Again the town demanded one;Again did each decline.[17]Then Boston’s grand “Committee[18]Of Correspondence,” wroteTo ask the farmers, “Would they standBy what the town would vote?”From every hill and valleyCame back, as though one word,What Samuel Adams read with prideWhere all the people heard:“Without a voice dissenting,We swear by you to stand.Our wealth or life preventing,The tea shall never land.”[18]Then dawn’d the stirring Sunday[19]When swift the news was pass’d,That one tea-ship they waited for,Was in the port at last.Not many went to church then;But all began to pray,With eyes to duty open wide—The Puritanic way.In haste we met together,Our work must be begun;We plann’d, then, how to do it,We boys of Lebanon.With Proctor[20]for our captain,We vow’d on hand to be,And cling like air and water thereAbout the ship with tea.The Town-Select-Men waited onThe vessel’s consignees;But these were waiting on the fort,[21]Well lock’d with English keys.True courtiers, they would tenderThe governor there their tea.The governor tried his council;The council[22]said: “Not we;Our homes are with the people;And we are not the onesTo hold the cup of serfdomTo them, ourselves, or sons.”The consignees were waitingUntil, in forms of law,Their tea was enter’d at the port,When none could it withdraw.[23]So quick the Town-CommitteeHad made and seal’d a writ,And pledg’d the vessel’s owner’s wordNot yet to enter it.[24]At Faneuil Hall,[25]next morning,While all the bells were rung,Men swarm’d, like bees, to buzz before,Prepar’d to die, they stung.The sheriff[26]came and cried aloud:“You meet unlawfully!”His cry but made them busier buzz,With Saxon loyalty.The consignees were summon’d;“The tea,” they wrote, “we stack.”[27]“The tea shall sail for England,”The people answer’d back.And then to ports in England,And those at home they wrote:“Tea-taxers here, or traders,Our country’s foes we vote.[28]Think not our men will waver,Our wives their vows abate;The herbs they steep for tea will keepLess bitter than their hate.”Two tea-ships more were sighted.[29]Our guards, like nerves, were strung[30]From bay to every belfry’s bell,The slightest move had rung.Then spoke the vessels’ owners:“Our tea is legal preyFor fort and fleet, if enter’d notBefore the twentieth[31]day.”“Then send it off to sea again,”The Town-Committee said.“Too much you ask,” was answer’d,“For then would blood be shed.The port’s collector warns usWe must not clear the port.Without his ‘Writ of Clearance,’We dare not brook the fort.”They pointed down the harbor:There lay the fleet,[32]alas,Like prongs along the channel,To rake whate’er should pass.They pointed toward the castle,And all the guns withinBespoke how they would treat a preyThat sought the sea to win.At this our Town-CommitteeThe port’s collector sought;[33]The governor,[33]too, exulting[34]To think his trap had caught.“You mark the fleet and castle;Should trouble brew,” said he;“Your Hancocks, Rowes, and Phillips[34]Might risk as much as we.”But Molineux[35]said only:“They more would risk if slaves;For all they then could wish, would beEnough to give them graves.”“‘If slaves’!” the governor answer’d,And rail’d against their cause;“Aha!—you talk of ‘slaves,’ forsooth,Because your land has laws!And you would dare to break them?—And reason, what of it?—I trust in human nature,When reason should submit.”“We trust in human nature,”Said Young,[36]who near him stood;“And peace that brooks oppression,It does not deem a good.We trust in human nature;The conscience, ruling there,May guard the right, full well as kingsWith crowns their dearest care.Love rules in human nature,For, all of history through,The slaves have been the many,The tyrants been the few.”The governor turn’d in anger:“Well, well, we then shall see.Your hint of flint can wring no ‘WritOf Clearance’ here from me.”Then met the town together,Their final vote to take.Not one, of seven thousand[38]there,Desired the peace to break.Said Quincy:[37]“Crowds and shoutingsCan never end our strife.But sadder scenes and sounds awaitOur loss of wealth and life.The structures fair of freedomMen rear beneath the sky,Press down on deep foundations,Where thousands buried lie.Our course we well may ponder:Hope’s rainbow in the cloudMay lure a march beneath its archTo flash and bolt and shroud.”The people paused and ponder’d;But not a single hand,[38]When call’d to vote, but voted,“The tea shall never land.”And then we met together;If fighting must be done,We knew we now should do it,We boys of Lebanon.In one day more—one only—[39]The fleet and fort would holdThe tea that none could longer keepFrom being bought and sold.Close by we sought our quarters;And from our knapsacks quickWe took our Indian guises;And stain’d our cheeks with brick.Anon, we half were ready,With tomahawks in hand[40];And half, with muskets only,[40]And heard our last command.A moment then we waited;We knew the danger there;We looked above for courage;We bent below in prayer.We swore by God in heaven,To keep our names from all;We swore to stand together,Till all in death should fall;We swore, by truth and honor,Should half essay to flee,To cast that half the harbor inTo perish with the tea.[40]The twilight long had tarried;The darkness deeper grew;In old South Church, the peopleStill ponder’d what to do.The dimness veil’d our coming.We listen’d near the door,Till Samuel Adams rose and said,[41]“We here can do no more.”And then we pass’d the word on:“To Griffin’s wharf now!—run!”For we knew where to do the rest,We boys of Lebanon.Then off flew some as picketsTo stand and sound alarms,Should coming spies or soldiersCompel resort to arms.The twilight long had tarried;The darkness deeper grew;“Full time,” said we, “to take our tea!”The people thought so too.To Griffin’s wharf we led them;We row’d, and reach’d the ships;No captain there, nor sailor,Dared open once his lips.We crowded every gangway;We brought out every chest;We smash’d and dash’d it overboard.The bay did all the rest.No time was there for shouting,No wish was there for strife;Three hours we wrought in silence,And thank’d the Lord for life.Anon, the work was ended;Anon, we back could row;The heaven was black above us;The harbor black below.None thought on shore to cheer us,[42]Though all had waited there;Their silence match’d the silence,Where souls have flown to prayer.Their silence match’d the silenceOf war’s reserves, whose breathIs hush’d to hear the order,That orders all to death.Their silence match’d the silenceOf heavens, close and warm,Ere, like a shell incasing hell,They burst and free a storm.As hush’d as on a Sabbath,[42]The people homeward went;Their eyes alone transparent,To show their souls’ content.But we, we met together,When all our work was done,To toast the dawn of freedom,We boys of Lebanon.Then, early stirr’d at morning,We left with Paul Revere,[43]Who through the south went riding offTo bear, from Boston, cheer.We spread through all the country;We told, how all was done;Till all the shoremen stored awayA tomahawk and gun.Throughout the land, no ToryWould brave their sworn attack;East India found no agent;The tea that came went back.But, better far for freedom,[44]There ran from mouth to mouth,From soul to soul, a tide to roll,And flow from north to south.Beyond the power of local prideOr envy to withstand,It burst each colony’s bordersTo form one common land.[44]Before men talk’d of Union;But now was Union won,When everywhere each village squareHeld boys of Lebanon.

“New trouble brews in Boston,”Was told us half the year;Yet every week the postman cameWith something new to fear.

“New trouble brews in Boston,”

Was told us half the year;

Yet every week the postman came

With something new to fear.

“Our freedom,” so they wrote soon,“Such progress here begetsThat England seeks to check it[2]With swords and bayonets.

“Our freedom,” so they wrote soon,

“Such progress here begets

That England seeks to check it[2]

With swords and bayonets.

“Their foreign ‘Board of Customs,’[3]Past our laws’ reach, they say,Here pluck from us their living,As vultures from their prey.Ah! would we keep our freedom,We must not basely yield,But claim our rights,[4]as when of oldThe Stamp Act was repeal’d.”

“Their foreign ‘Board of Customs,’[3]

Past our laws’ reach, they say,

Here pluck from us their living,

As vultures from their prey.

Ah! would we keep our freedom,

We must not basely yield,

But claim our rights,[4]as when of old

The Stamp Act was repeal’d.”

We read, and thought togetherThat something must be done;And we were those to do it,We boys of Lebanon.

We read, and thought together

That something must be done;

And we were those to do it,

We boys of Lebanon.

The words of Samuel Adams[4]We heard a neighbor quote:“They silence our Assembly;[5]A sword is at its throat;Our charter is their target,Our judgment-seat their fort,[6]Our men they rob for rations,Our boys they shoot for sport;Our faith that their horizon burstAnd zenith held not down,Their Toleration Law[7]would forceTo cringe beneath the crown.I care not what to othersA loyal feeling brings;To me it still will loyal beTo serve the King of kings.”[8]

The words of Samuel Adams[4]

We heard a neighbor quote:

“They silence our Assembly;[5]

A sword is at its throat;

Our charter is their target,

Our judgment-seat their fort,[6]

Our men they rob for rations,

Our boys they shoot for sport;

Our faith that their horizon burst

And zenith held not down,

Their Toleration Law[7]would force

To cringe beneath the crown.

I care not what to others

A loyal feeling brings;

To me it still will loyal be

To serve the King of kings.”[8]

We heard, and swore togetherThat work must be begun;And we were those to do it,We boys of Lebanon.

We heard, and swore together

That work must be begun;

And we were those to do it,

We boys of Lebanon.

We signed a pledge of “Union.”To all the land we wrote.We went to meet the postman.We read the Boston note:

We signed a pledge of “Union.”

To all the land we wrote.

We went to meet the postman.

We read the Boston note:

“In Union only is there strength;And strength is all our stay.Alas that some divide us!Alas that some give way!Once none would touch a thing they tax;To-day the weak agree,And say: ‘Enough if none will taste,If none will trade in tea.’[9]The lords have found our weakness out;And now are talking thus:That India’s losing tradersMay bring tea free to us.[10]Ay, ay, as if these would not heapHer lap with tribute gold,‘Let them,’ says England, ‘take the tax;Let them the duties hold.’

“In Union only is there strength;

And strength is all our stay.

Alas that some divide us!

Alas that some give way!

Once none would touch a thing they tax;

To-day the weak agree,

And say: ‘Enough if none will taste,

If none will trade in tea.’[9]

The lords have found our weakness out;

And now are talking thus:

That India’s losing traders

May bring tea free to us.[10]

Ay, ay, as if these would not heap

Her lap with tribute gold,

‘Let them,’ says England, ‘take the tax;

Let them the duties hold.’

“Already bound for Boston,May tea be on the waves,A bait flung out to tempt usTo touch, and then be slaves.And if our strong men falter,Nor thrust this bait away,How can the weak be kept from allThat makes us England’s prey?

“Already bound for Boston,

May tea be on the waves,

A bait flung out to tempt us

To touch, and then be slaves.

And if our strong men falter,

Nor thrust this bait away,

How can the weak be kept from all

That makes us England’s prey?

“And yet, if we in BostonTo thwart the throne conspire,Our town may prove an altar,Our fortunes melt in fire.The sacrifice is ready;Yet first we wait reply,[11]To know we own a countryTo save, before we die.”[12]

“And yet, if we in Boston

To thwart the throne conspire,

Our town may prove an altar,

Our fortunes melt in fire.

The sacrifice is ready;

Yet first we wait reply,[11]

To know we own a country

To save, before we die.”[12]

We met, and swore together,If fighting must be done,In Boston we would do it,We boys of Lebanon.

We met, and swore together,

If fighting must be done,

In Boston we would do it,

We boys of Lebanon.

We started out at midnight,And took the Indian suits,Our fathers’ trophies from the warsWhere all had been recruits.

We started out at midnight,

And took the Indian suits,

Our fathers’ trophies from the wars

Where all had been recruits.

We pack’d them up in knapsacks,And then with each a gunAnd tomahawk away we walk’dIn pairs or one by one.By day we kept the forests;But when the sun was down,We hurried on to Boston,And scatter’d through the town.

We pack’d them up in knapsacks,

And then with each a gun

And tomahawk away we walk’d

In pairs or one by one.

By day we kept the forests;

But when the sun was down,

We hurried on to Boston,

And scatter’d through the town.

We hunted out our cousins.We told them why we came.“Aha,” said they, “we plot the same.We join you in the game.”

We hunted out our cousins.

We told them why we came.

“Aha,” said they, “we plot the same.

We join you in the game.”

They show’d us then, at morning,The “Tree of Liberty,”Where those who plann’d the Stamp Act[13]Had hung in effigy.A pole was now beside it;A flag it bore flew high;[14]The church bells all were ringing;A crowd had gather’d nigh.“To see this tree, the agentOf stamps,” we heard, “resign’d.Here too East India’s agentShould learn the people’s mind:The tea sent here to tax usUntouch’d away shall go;Or all will brand its consignee,Our own, our country’s foe.”[15]The people cheer’d the purpose;From lip to lip it pass’d;The crowd about went homeward;The sky was overcast.

They show’d us then, at morning,

The “Tree of Liberty,”

Where those who plann’d the Stamp Act[13]

Had hung in effigy.

A pole was now beside it;

A flag it bore flew high;[14]

The church bells all were ringing;

A crowd had gather’d nigh.

“To see this tree, the agent

Of stamps,” we heard, “resign’d.

Here too East India’s agent

Should learn the people’s mind:

The tea sent here to tax us

Untouch’d away shall go;

Or all will brand its consignee,

Our own, our country’s foe.”[15]

The people cheer’d the purpose;

From lip to lip it pass’d;

The crowd about went homeward;

The sky was overcast.

Each agent heard the message;No promise would he sign.[16]Again the town demanded one;Again did each decline.[17]Then Boston’s grand “Committee[18]Of Correspondence,” wroteTo ask the farmers, “Would they standBy what the town would vote?”

Each agent heard the message;

No promise would he sign.[16]

Again the town demanded one;

Again did each decline.[17]

Then Boston’s grand “Committee[18]

Of Correspondence,” wrote

To ask the farmers, “Would they stand

By what the town would vote?”

From every hill and valleyCame back, as though one word,What Samuel Adams read with prideWhere all the people heard:

From every hill and valley

Came back, as though one word,

What Samuel Adams read with pride

Where all the people heard:

“Without a voice dissenting,We swear by you to stand.Our wealth or life preventing,The tea shall never land.”[18]

“Without a voice dissenting,

We swear by you to stand.

Our wealth or life preventing,

The tea shall never land.”[18]

Then dawn’d the stirring Sunday[19]When swift the news was pass’d,That one tea-ship they waited for,Was in the port at last.Not many went to church then;But all began to pray,With eyes to duty open wide—The Puritanic way.

Then dawn’d the stirring Sunday[19]

When swift the news was pass’d,

That one tea-ship they waited for,

Was in the port at last.

Not many went to church then;

But all began to pray,

With eyes to duty open wide—

The Puritanic way.

In haste we met together,Our work must be begun;We plann’d, then, how to do it,We boys of Lebanon.With Proctor[20]for our captain,We vow’d on hand to be,And cling like air and water thereAbout the ship with tea.

In haste we met together,

Our work must be begun;

We plann’d, then, how to do it,

We boys of Lebanon.

With Proctor[20]for our captain,

We vow’d on hand to be,

And cling like air and water there

About the ship with tea.

The Town-Select-Men waited onThe vessel’s consignees;But these were waiting on the fort,[21]Well lock’d with English keys.True courtiers, they would tenderThe governor there their tea.The governor tried his council;The council[22]said: “Not we;Our homes are with the people;And we are not the onesTo hold the cup of serfdomTo them, ourselves, or sons.”

The Town-Select-Men waited on

The vessel’s consignees;

But these were waiting on the fort,[21]

Well lock’d with English keys.

True courtiers, they would tender

The governor there their tea.

The governor tried his council;

The council[22]said: “Not we;

Our homes are with the people;

And we are not the ones

To hold the cup of serfdom

To them, ourselves, or sons.”

The consignees were waitingUntil, in forms of law,Their tea was enter’d at the port,When none could it withdraw.[23]So quick the Town-CommitteeHad made and seal’d a writ,And pledg’d the vessel’s owner’s wordNot yet to enter it.[24]

The consignees were waiting

Until, in forms of law,

Their tea was enter’d at the port,

When none could it withdraw.[23]

So quick the Town-Committee

Had made and seal’d a writ,

And pledg’d the vessel’s owner’s word

Not yet to enter it.[24]

At Faneuil Hall,[25]next morning,While all the bells were rung,Men swarm’d, like bees, to buzz before,Prepar’d to die, they stung.The sheriff[26]came and cried aloud:“You meet unlawfully!”His cry but made them busier buzz,With Saxon loyalty.The consignees were summon’d;“The tea,” they wrote, “we stack.”[27]“The tea shall sail for England,”The people answer’d back.

At Faneuil Hall,[25]next morning,

While all the bells were rung,

Men swarm’d, like bees, to buzz before,

Prepar’d to die, they stung.

The sheriff[26]came and cried aloud:

“You meet unlawfully!”

His cry but made them busier buzz,

With Saxon loyalty.

The consignees were summon’d;

“The tea,” they wrote, “we stack.”[27]

“The tea shall sail for England,”

The people answer’d back.

And then to ports in England,And those at home they wrote:“Tea-taxers here, or traders,Our country’s foes we vote.[28]Think not our men will waver,Our wives their vows abate;The herbs they steep for tea will keepLess bitter than their hate.”

And then to ports in England,

And those at home they wrote:

“Tea-taxers here, or traders,

Our country’s foes we vote.[28]

Think not our men will waver,

Our wives their vows abate;

The herbs they steep for tea will keep

Less bitter than their hate.”

Two tea-ships more were sighted.[29]Our guards, like nerves, were strung[30]From bay to every belfry’s bell,The slightest move had rung.

Two tea-ships more were sighted.[29]

Our guards, like nerves, were strung[30]

From bay to every belfry’s bell,

The slightest move had rung.

Then spoke the vessels’ owners:“Our tea is legal preyFor fort and fleet, if enter’d notBefore the twentieth[31]day.”“Then send it off to sea again,”The Town-Committee said.“Too much you ask,” was answer’d,“For then would blood be shed.The port’s collector warns usWe must not clear the port.Without his ‘Writ of Clearance,’We dare not brook the fort.”They pointed down the harbor:There lay the fleet,[32]alas,Like prongs along the channel,To rake whate’er should pass.

Then spoke the vessels’ owners:

“Our tea is legal prey

For fort and fleet, if enter’d not

Before the twentieth[31]day.”

“Then send it off to sea again,”

The Town-Committee said.

“Too much you ask,” was answer’d,

“For then would blood be shed.

The port’s collector warns us

We must not clear the port.

Without his ‘Writ of Clearance,’

We dare not brook the fort.”

They pointed down the harbor:

There lay the fleet,[32]alas,

Like prongs along the channel,

To rake whate’er should pass.

They pointed toward the castle,And all the guns withinBespoke how they would treat a preyThat sought the sea to win.

They pointed toward the castle,

And all the guns within

Bespoke how they would treat a prey

That sought the sea to win.

At this our Town-CommitteeThe port’s collector sought;[33]The governor,[33]too, exulting[34]To think his trap had caught.“You mark the fleet and castle;Should trouble brew,” said he;“Your Hancocks, Rowes, and Phillips[34]Might risk as much as we.”But Molineux[35]said only:“They more would risk if slaves;For all they then could wish, would beEnough to give them graves.”“‘If slaves’!” the governor answer’d,And rail’d against their cause;“Aha!—you talk of ‘slaves,’ forsooth,Because your land has laws!And you would dare to break them?—And reason, what of it?—I trust in human nature,When reason should submit.”

At this our Town-Committee

The port’s collector sought;[33]

The governor,[33]too, exulting[34]

To think his trap had caught.

“You mark the fleet and castle;

Should trouble brew,” said he;

“Your Hancocks, Rowes, and Phillips[34]

Might risk as much as we.”

But Molineux[35]said only:

“They more would risk if slaves;

For all they then could wish, would be

Enough to give them graves.”

“‘If slaves’!” the governor answer’d,

And rail’d against their cause;

“Aha!—you talk of ‘slaves,’ forsooth,

Because your land has laws!

And you would dare to break them?—

And reason, what of it?—

I trust in human nature,

When reason should submit.”

“We trust in human nature,”Said Young,[36]who near him stood;“And peace that brooks oppression,It does not deem a good.We trust in human nature;The conscience, ruling there,May guard the right, full well as kingsWith crowns their dearest care.Love rules in human nature,For, all of history through,The slaves have been the many,The tyrants been the few.”

“We trust in human nature,”

Said Young,[36]who near him stood;

“And peace that brooks oppression,

It does not deem a good.

We trust in human nature;

The conscience, ruling there,

May guard the right, full well as kings

With crowns their dearest care.

Love rules in human nature,

For, all of history through,

The slaves have been the many,

The tyrants been the few.”

The governor turn’d in anger:“Well, well, we then shall see.Your hint of flint can wring no ‘WritOf Clearance’ here from me.”

The governor turn’d in anger:

“Well, well, we then shall see.

Your hint of flint can wring no ‘Writ

Of Clearance’ here from me.”

Then met the town together,Their final vote to take.Not one, of seven thousand[38]there,Desired the peace to break.

Then met the town together,

Their final vote to take.

Not one, of seven thousand[38]there,

Desired the peace to break.

Said Quincy:[37]“Crowds and shoutingsCan never end our strife.But sadder scenes and sounds awaitOur loss of wealth and life.The structures fair of freedomMen rear beneath the sky,Press down on deep foundations,Where thousands buried lie.Our course we well may ponder:Hope’s rainbow in the cloudMay lure a march beneath its archTo flash and bolt and shroud.”The people paused and ponder’d;But not a single hand,[38]When call’d to vote, but voted,“The tea shall never land.”

Said Quincy:[37]“Crowds and shoutings

Can never end our strife.

But sadder scenes and sounds await

Our loss of wealth and life.

The structures fair of freedom

Men rear beneath the sky,

Press down on deep foundations,

Where thousands buried lie.

Our course we well may ponder:

Hope’s rainbow in the cloud

May lure a march beneath its arch

To flash and bolt and shroud.”

The people paused and ponder’d;

But not a single hand,[38]

When call’d to vote, but voted,

“The tea shall never land.”

And then we met together;If fighting must be done,We knew we now should do it,We boys of Lebanon.In one day more—one only—[39]The fleet and fort would holdThe tea that none could longer keepFrom being bought and sold.Close by we sought our quarters;And from our knapsacks quickWe took our Indian guises;And stain’d our cheeks with brick.Anon, we half were ready,With tomahawks in hand[40];And half, with muskets only,[40]And heard our last command.A moment then we waited;We knew the danger there;We looked above for courage;We bent below in prayer.We swore by God in heaven,To keep our names from all;We swore to stand together,Till all in death should fall;We swore, by truth and honor,Should half essay to flee,To cast that half the harbor inTo perish with the tea.[40]

And then we met together;

If fighting must be done,

We knew we now should do it,

We boys of Lebanon.

In one day more—one only—[39]

The fleet and fort would hold

The tea that none could longer keep

From being bought and sold.

Close by we sought our quarters;

And from our knapsacks quick

We took our Indian guises;

And stain’d our cheeks with brick.

Anon, we half were ready,

With tomahawks in hand[40];

And half, with muskets only,[40]

And heard our last command.

A moment then we waited;

We knew the danger there;

We looked above for courage;

We bent below in prayer.

We swore by God in heaven,

To keep our names from all;

We swore to stand together,

Till all in death should fall;

We swore, by truth and honor,

Should half essay to flee,

To cast that half the harbor in

To perish with the tea.[40]

The twilight long had tarried;The darkness deeper grew;In old South Church, the peopleStill ponder’d what to do.

The twilight long had tarried;

The darkness deeper grew;

In old South Church, the people

Still ponder’d what to do.

The dimness veil’d our coming.We listen’d near the door,Till Samuel Adams rose and said,[41]“We here can do no more.”And then we pass’d the word on:“To Griffin’s wharf now!—run!”For we knew where to do the rest,We boys of Lebanon.

The dimness veil’d our coming.

We listen’d near the door,

Till Samuel Adams rose and said,[41]

“We here can do no more.”

And then we pass’d the word on:

“To Griffin’s wharf now!—run!”

For we knew where to do the rest,

We boys of Lebanon.

Then off flew some as picketsTo stand and sound alarms,Should coming spies or soldiersCompel resort to arms.The twilight long had tarried;The darkness deeper grew;“Full time,” said we, “to take our tea!”The people thought so too.

Then off flew some as pickets

To stand and sound alarms,

Should coming spies or soldiers

Compel resort to arms.

The twilight long had tarried;

The darkness deeper grew;

“Full time,” said we, “to take our tea!”

The people thought so too.

To Griffin’s wharf we led them;We row’d, and reach’d the ships;No captain there, nor sailor,Dared open once his lips.We crowded every gangway;We brought out every chest;We smash’d and dash’d it overboard.The bay did all the rest.No time was there for shouting,No wish was there for strife;Three hours we wrought in silence,And thank’d the Lord for life.Anon, the work was ended;Anon, we back could row;The heaven was black above us;The harbor black below.

To Griffin’s wharf we led them;

We row’d, and reach’d the ships;

No captain there, nor sailor,

Dared open once his lips.

We crowded every gangway;

We brought out every chest;

We smash’d and dash’d it overboard.

The bay did all the rest.

No time was there for shouting,

No wish was there for strife;

Three hours we wrought in silence,

And thank’d the Lord for life.

Anon, the work was ended;

Anon, we back could row;

The heaven was black above us;

The harbor black below.

None thought on shore to cheer us,[42]Though all had waited there;Their silence match’d the silence,Where souls have flown to prayer.Their silence match’d the silenceOf war’s reserves, whose breathIs hush’d to hear the order,That orders all to death.Their silence match’d the silenceOf heavens, close and warm,Ere, like a shell incasing hell,They burst and free a storm.

None thought on shore to cheer us,[42]

Though all had waited there;

Their silence match’d the silence,

Where souls have flown to prayer.

Their silence match’d the silence

Of war’s reserves, whose breath

Is hush’d to hear the order,

That orders all to death.

Their silence match’d the silence

Of heavens, close and warm,

Ere, like a shell incasing hell,

They burst and free a storm.

As hush’d as on a Sabbath,[42]The people homeward went;Their eyes alone transparent,To show their souls’ content.But we, we met together,When all our work was done,To toast the dawn of freedom,We boys of Lebanon.

As hush’d as on a Sabbath,[42]

The people homeward went;

Their eyes alone transparent,

To show their souls’ content.

But we, we met together,

When all our work was done,

To toast the dawn of freedom,

We boys of Lebanon.

Then, early stirr’d at morning,We left with Paul Revere,[43]Who through the south went riding offTo bear, from Boston, cheer.We spread through all the country;We told, how all was done;Till all the shoremen stored awayA tomahawk and gun.Throughout the land, no ToryWould brave their sworn attack;East India found no agent;The tea that came went back.

Then, early stirr’d at morning,

We left with Paul Revere,[43]

Who through the south went riding off

To bear, from Boston, cheer.

We spread through all the country;

We told, how all was done;

Till all the shoremen stored away

A tomahawk and gun.

Throughout the land, no Tory

Would brave their sworn attack;

East India found no agent;

The tea that came went back.

But, better far for freedom,[44]There ran from mouth to mouth,From soul to soul, a tide to roll,And flow from north to south.Beyond the power of local prideOr envy to withstand,It burst each colony’s bordersTo form one common land.[44]Before men talk’d of Union;But now was Union won,When everywhere each village squareHeld boys of Lebanon.

But, better far for freedom,[44]

There ran from mouth to mouth,

From soul to soul, a tide to roll,

And flow from north to south.

Beyond the power of local pride

Or envy to withstand,

It burst each colony’s borders

To form one common land.[44]

Before men talk’d of Union;

But now was Union won,

When everywhere each village square

Held boys of Lebanon.

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