On the Prospect of Peace

E'en now, from half the threaten'd horrors freed,
See from our shores the lessening sails recede;
See the proud flags that, to the wind unfurl'd,
Waved in proud triumph round a vanquished world,
Inglorious fly; and see their haggard crew,
Despair, shame, rage, and infamy pursue.

Hail, heaven-born peace! thy grateful blessings pour
On this glad land, and round the peopled shore;
Thine arc the joys that gild the happy scene,
Propitious days, and happy nights serene;
With thee gay Pleasure frolics o'er the plain,
And smiling Plenty leads the prosperous train.

Then, O blest land! with genius unconfined,
With polish'd manners, and the illumined mind,
Thy future race on daring wing shall soar,
Each science trace, and all the arts explore.
Till bright religion, beckoning to the skies,
Shall bid thy sons to endless glory rise.