A Tea Party Ballad

Just by beauteous Boston lying
On the gently swelling flood;
Without Jack or streamers flying,
Three ill-fated tea-ships rode.

Just as glorious Sol was setting,
On the wharf, a numerous crew—
Sons of Freedom, fear forgetting,
Suddenly appeared in view.

Armed with chisel, axe and hammer,—
Weapons new for warlike deed;
Towards the herbage-freighted vessels,
They approached with dauntless speed.

O’er their heads aloft in mid sky,
Three bright angel forms were seen;
This was Hampden,—that was Sidney,
With fair Liberty between.

Soon they cried, “Your foes you’ll banish,
Soon the glory shall be won;
Nor shall setting Phœbus vanish,
Ere the matchless deed be done!”

Quick as thought the ships were boarded,
Hatches burst and chests displayed;
Axe and hammers help afforded,—
What a glorious crash they made!

Quick into the deep descended,
Cursed weed of China’s coast;
Thus at once our fears were ended,—
Freemen’s rights shall ne’er be lost!