Chapter 7

GARDINER [_leading up his men to the engagement_].

Fear not, brave soldiers, tho' their infantry, In deep array, so far out-numbers us. The justness of our cause, will brace each arm, And steel the soul, with fortitude; while they, Whose guilt hangs trembling, on their consciences, Must fail in battle, and receive that death, Which, in high vengeance, we prepare for them. Let then each spirit, to the height, would up, Shew noble vigour, and full force this day. For on the merit, of our swords, is plac'd, The virgin honour, and true character, Of this whole Continent: and one short hour, May give complexion, to the whole event, Fixing the judgment whether as base slaves, We serve these masters, or more nobly live, Free as the breeze, that on the hill-top, plays, With these sweet fields, and tenements, our own. O fellow soldiers, let this battle speak, Dire disappointment, to the insulting foe, Who claim our fair possessions, and set down, These cultur'd-farms, and bowry-hills, and plains, As the rich prize, of certain victory. Shall we, the sons of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY, NEW HAMPSHIRE, and CONNECTICUT; shall we Fall back, dishonour'd, from our native plains, Mix with the savages, and roam for food, On western mountains, or the desert shores, Of Canada's cold lakes? or state more vile, Sit down, in humble vassalage, content To till the ground for these proud conquerors? No, fellow soldiers, let us rise this day, Emancipate, from such ignoble choice. And should the battle ravish our sweet lives, Late time shall give, an ample monument, And bid her worthies, emulate our fame.