From dire Cesarea[A] forced, these slaves of kings, Quick, let them take their way on eagle's wings: To thy strong posts, Manhattan's isle, repair, To meet the vengeance that awaits them there! [A] The old Roman name of Jersey.--_Freneau's note._ [159] This poem first appears in the 1795 edition, though the opening stanzas had formed a part of "The House of Night" in the 1786 edition. It must have been composed after this edition was published. I have inserted it here on account of its historical significance. Text is from the edition of 1809. THE JEWISH LAMENTATION AT EUPHRATES[160] By Babel's streams we sate and wept, When Sion bade our sorrows flow; Our harps on lofty willows slept That near those distant waters grow: The willows high, the waters clear, Beheld our toils and sorrows there. The cruel foe, that captive led Our nation from their native soil, The tyrant foe, by whom we bled, Required a song, as well as toil: "Come, with a song your sorrows cheer, "A song, that Sion loved to hear." How shall we, cruel tyrant, raise A song on such a distant shore?-- If I forget my Sion's praise, May my right hand assume no more To strike the silver sounding string, And thence the slumbering music bring. If I forget that happy home, My perjured tongue, forbear to move! My eyes, be closed in endless gloom-- My joy, my rapture, and my love! No rival grief my mind can share, For thou shalt reign unrivalled there. Remember, Lord, that hated foe (When conquered Sion drooped her head) Who laughing at our deepest woe, Thus to our tears and sorrows said, "From its proud height degrade her wall, "Destroy her towers--and ruin all." Thou, Babel's offspring, hated race, May some avenging monster seize, And dash your venom in your face For crimes and cruelties like these: And, deaf to pity's melting moan, With infant blood stain every stone. [160] First published in the _United States Magazine_ for September, 1779, under the title, "Psalm CXXXVII Imitated. By Philip Freneau, a young gentleman to whom in the course of this work we are greatly indebted." Signed, "Monmouth, Sept. 10, 1779." In the 1786 edition it bore the title, "Psalm CXXXVII Versified." AMERICA INDEPENDENT AND HER EVERLASTING DELIVERANCE FROM BRITISH TYRANNY AND OPPRESSION[161] First published in Philadelphia, by Mr. Robert Bell, in 1778 _To him who would relate the story right, A mind supreme should dictate, or indite.-- Yes!--justly to record the tale of fame, A muse from heaven should touch the soul with flame, Some powerful spirit, in superior lays, Should tell the conflicts of these stormy days!_