All this long story to rehearse, would tire; Besides, the sun towards the west retreats, Nor can the noblest theme retard his speed, Nor loftiest verse--not that which sang the fall 150 Of Troy divine, and fierce Achilles' ire.-- Yet hear a part:--By persecution wronged And sacerdotal rage, our fathers came From Europe's hostile shores to these abodes, Here to enjoy a liberty in faith, 155 Secure from tyranny and base controul. For this they left their country and their friends, And plough'd the Atlantic wave in quest of peace; And found new shores, and sylvan settlements, And men, alike unknowing and unknown. 160 Hence, by the care of each adventurous chief New governments (their wealth unenvied yet) Were form'd on liberty and virtue's plan. These searching out uncultivated tracts Conceived new plans of towns, and capitals, 165 And spacious provinces.--Why should I name Thee, Penn, the Solon of our western lands; Sagacious legislator, whom the world Admires, long dead: an infant colony, Nursed by thy care, now rises o'er the rest 170 Like that tall pyramid in Egypt's waste O'er all the neighbouring piles, they also great. Why should I name those heroes so well known, Who peopled all the rest from Canada To Georgia's farthest coasts, West Florida, 175 Or Apalachian mountains?--Yet what streams Of blood were shed! what Indian hosts were slain, Before the days of peace were quite restored! _Leander_ Yes, while they overturn'd the rugged soil And swept the forests from the shaded plain 180 'Midst dangers, foes, and death, fierce Indian tribes With vengeful malice arm'd, and black design, Oft murdered, or dispersed, these colonies-- Encouraged, too, by Gallia's hostile sons, A warlike race, who late their arms display'd, 185 At Quebec, Montreal, and farthest coasts Of Labrador, or Cape Breton, where now The British standard awes the subject host. Here, those brave chiefs, who, lavish of their blood, Fought in Britannia's cause, in battle fell!-- 190 What heart but mourns the untimely fate of Wolfe, Who, dying, conquered!--or what breast but beats To share a fate like his, and die like him! _Acasto_