"Britannia, hail! thine is at length the day, And lasting triumphs shall thy cares repay; Thy godlike sons, by _this_, their names shall raise, And tongues remote shall joy to swell their praise. I to the list'ning world shall soon proclaim Of _Wolfe's_ brave deeds, the never-dying fame, And swell with glory Amherst's patriot name. Such are the heroes that shall ever bring Wealth to their country, honor to their king: Opposing foes, in vain attempt to quell The native fires that in such bosoms dwell. To thee, with joy, this laurel I resign, Smile, smile, _Britannia_! victory is thine. Long may it flourish on thy sacred brow! Long may thy foes a forc'd subjection know! See, see their pow'r, their boasted pow'r decline! Rejoice, _Britannia_! victory is thine." Give your loose canvas to the breezes free, Ye floating thund'rers, bulwarks of the sea: Go, bear the joyful tidings to your king, And, in the voice of war, declare 'tis victory you bring: Let the wild crowd that catch the breath of fame, In mad huzzas their ruder joy proclaim: Let their loud thanks to heav'n in flames ascend, While mingling shouts the azure concave rend. But let the few, whom reason makes more wise, With glowing gratitude uplift their eyes: Oh! let their breasts dilate with sober joy. Let pious praise their hearts and tongues employ; To bless our _God_ with me let all unite, _He_ guides the conq'ring sword, _he_ governs in the fight. FRANCIS HOPKINSON. The fall of Louisburg was followed a few months later by the capture of Fort Duquesne (November 25, 1758), by General John Forbes. Forbes, at the head of an excellent army, had proceeded slowly and carefully. As the English approached, the French realized that to remain was simply to be captured, so they deserted the hopeless post, and Forbes marched in unmolested. He named his conquest Fort Pitt, after the great minister. FORT DUQUESNE A HISTORICAL CENTENNIAL BALLAD [November 25, 1758-1858] I Come, fill the beaker, while we chaunt a pean of old days: By Mars! no men shall live again more worthy of our praise, Than they who stormed at Louisburg and Frontenac amain, And shook the English standard out o'er the ruins of Duquesne. For glorious were the days they came, the soldiers strong and true, And glorious were the days, they came for Pennsylvania, too; When marched the troopers sternly on through forest's autumn brown, And where St. George's cross was raised, the oriflame went down. Virginia sent her chivalry and Maryland her brave, And Pennsylvania to the cause her noblest yeomen gave: Oh, and proud were they who wore the garb of Indian hunters then, For every sturdy youth was worth a score of common men!