As near beauteous Boston lying, On the gently swelling flood, Without jack or pendant flying, Three ill-fated tea-ships rode. Just as glorious Sol was setting, On the wharf, a numerous crew, Sons of freedom, fear forgetting, Suddenly appeared in view. Armed with hammers, axe, and chisels, Weapons new for warlike deed, Towards the herbage-freighted vessels, They approached with dreadful speed. O'er their heads aloft in mid-sky, Three bright angel forms were seen; This was Hampden, that was Sidney, With fair Liberty between. "Soon," they cried, "your foes you'll banish, Soon the triumph shall be won; Scarce shall setting Phoebus vanish, Ere the deathless deed be done." Quick as thought the ships were boarded, Hatches burst and chests displayed; Axes, hammers help afforded; What a glorious crash they made. Squash into the deep descended, Cursed weed of China's coast; Thus at once our fears were ended; British rights shall ne'er be lost. Captains! once more hoist your streamers, Spread your sails, and plough the wave; Tell your masters they were dreamers, When they thought to cheat the brave. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...RICH DAYS by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES THE SEEDLING by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR DIXIE by DANIEL DECATUR EMMETT CRADLE SONG AT TWILIGHT by ALICE MEYNELL A MORTIFYING MISTAKE by ANNA MARIA PRATT THE LAMENTATION OF DANAE by SIMONIDES OF CEOS ONLY A YEAR' by HARRIET BEECHER STOWE |