The American Rebellion: Before

'Twas not while England's sword unsheathed
Put half a world to flight,
Nor while their new-built cities breathed
Secure behind her might;
Not while she poured from Pole to Line
Treasure and ships and men —
These worshippers at Freedom's shrine
They did not quit her then!

Not till their foes were driven forth
By England o'er the main —
Not till the Frenchman from the North
Had gone with shattered Spain;
Not till the clean-swept oceans showed
No hostile flag unrolled,
Did they remember what they owed
To Freedom — and were bold!