SURE never was picture drawn more to the life, Or affectionate husband more fond of his wife, Than America copies and loves Britain's sons, Who, conscious of Freedom, are bold as great guns, "Hearts of Oak are we still, for we're sons of those men Who always are ready, steady, boys, steady, To fight for their freedom again and again." Tho' we feast and grow fat on America's soil, Yet we own ourselves subjects of Britain's fair isle; And who's so absurd to deny us the name, Since true British blood flows in every vein? "Hearts of Oak," etc. Then cheer up, my lads, to your country be firm, Like kings of the ocean, we'll weather each storm; Integrity calls out, fair liberty, see, Waves her Flag o'er our heads and her words are be free! "Hearts of Oak," etc. To King George, as true subjects, we loyal bow down, But hope we may call Magna Charta our own. Let the rest of the world slavish worship decree, Great Britain has ordered her sons to be free. "Hearts of Oak," etc. Poor Esau his birthright gave up for a bribe, Americans scorn th' mean soul-selling tribe; Beyond life our freedom we chuse to possess, Which thro' life we'll defend, and abjure a broad S. "Hearts of Oak are we still, and we're sons of those men Who fear not the ocean, brave roarings of cannon, To stop all oppression, again and again." On our brow while we laurel-crown'd Liberty wear, What Englishmen ought we Americans dare; Though tempests and terrors around us we see, Bribes nor fears can prevail o'er the hearts that are free. "Hearts of Oak," etc. With Loyalty, Liberty let us entwine, Our blood shall for both flow as free as our wine; Let us set an example, what all men should be, And a Toast give the World, "Here's to those dare be free. "Hearts of Oak," etc. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MIDSUMMER NIGHT by SARA TEASDALE THE OL' TUNES by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR A BALLAD OF LONDON (TO H.W. MASSINGHAM) by RICHARD THOMAS LE GALLIENNE RECUERDO by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY A HYMN WRITTEN IN WINDSOR FOREST by ALEXANDER POPE WRITTEN AT AN INN AT HENLEY by WILLIAM SHENSTONE MYRRHA by VITTORIO AMEDEO ALFIERI |