Destruction waits my call!--some demon say Why does destruction linger on her way! Charlestown is burnt, and Warren is deceased-- Heavens! shall we never be from war released? Ten years the Greeks besieged the walls of Troy, But when did Grecians their own towns destroy? Yes, that's the point!--Let those who will, say, No; If George and North decree--it must be so. Doubts, black as night, disturb my loved repose-- Men that were once my friends have turned my foes-- What if we conquer this rebellious town, Suppose we burn it, storm it, tear it down-- This land's like Hydra, cut off but one head, And ten shall rise, and dare you in its stead. If to subdue a league or two of coast Requires a navy, and so large a host, How shall a length of twice seven hundred miles Be brought to bend to two European Isles?-- And that, when all their utmost strength unite, When twelve[A] dominions swear to arm and fight, When the same spirit darts from every eye, One fixed resolve to gain their point or die. As for myself--true--I was born to fight As George commands, let him be wrong or right, While from his hand I squeeze the golden prize,[71] I'll ask no questions, and he'll tell no lies;-- But did I swear, I ask my heart again, In their base projects monarchs to maintain?--[72] Yes--when Rebellion her artillery brings And aims her arrows at the best of kings, I stand a champion in my monarch's cause-- The men are rebels that resist his laws.[73] A viceroy I, like modern monarchs, stay Safe in the town--let others guide the fray: A life like mine is of no common worth, 'Twere wrong, by heaven, that I should sally forth![74] A random bullet from a rifle sent Might pierce my heart, and ruin North's intent: Let others combat in the dusty field, Let petty captains scorn to live or yield, I'll send my ships to neighbouring isles, where stray[75] Unnumb'red herds, and steal those herds away; I'll strike the women in this town with awe, And make them tremble at my martial law. Should gracious heaven befriend our troops and fleet, And throw this vast dominion at my feet, How would Britannia echo with my fame! What endless honours would await my name! In every province should the traveller see Recording marble, raised to honour me.--[76] Hard by the lakes, my sovereign lord would grant A rural empire to supply my want, A manor would but poorly serve my turn, Less than an empire from my soul I scorn![77] An ample kingdom round Ontario's lake, By heaven! should be the least reward I'd take. There might I reign, unrivalled and alone, An ocean and an empire of my own!-- What though the scribblers and the wits might say, He built his pile on vanquished Liberty-- Let others meanly dread the slanderous tongue, While I obey my king, can I do wrong? Then, to accomplish all my soul's desire, Let red-hot bullets set their towns on fire;