| Citation |
NHG-P.776.003
25 May 1776:41 (1/1)
A SONG. From a new musical Interlude called the Election.
1
Whilst happy in my native land,
I boast my country's charter,
I'll never basely lend my hand
Her liberties to barter.
2
The noble mind is not at all
By poverty degraded;
'Tis guilt alone can make us fall;
And well I am persuaded,
Each freeborn Briton's song should be,
'Or give me death or liberty!'
3
Tho' small the power which fortune grants,
And few the gifts she sends us,
The lordly hireling often wants
That freedom which defends us.
4
By law secur'd from lawless trife,
Our house is our castelium;
Then, blush'd with all that's dear in life,
For lucre shall we fell 'em?
No; every Briton's song should be,
'Or give me death or liberty!'
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