Acrostic

GREAT man of merit, influence, and might,
Endu'd by Heav'n with truth, and wisdom's light,
On this return of thy auspicious day,
Receive the tribute of my humble lay;
Gen'ral, Dictator, Ruler, Patriot, Friend,
Enjoy thy country's honours to the end.

When God Almighty, gave creation birth,
And laid the firm foundation of the earth,
Settled the laws which all his works obey,
He saw, and he appointed thee thy sway,
In that choice land where freedom first arose,
Nor fear'd, nor fell before her num'rous foes;
Gave an example which shall alswys shine;
There wast thou born, fair freedom's land is thine,
On thee hath Heav'n caus'd glory to descend,
Nor will it fail to crown thy happy end.

Preserve, O Lord, a life to man so dear,
Regard that chief, who doth thy laws revere;
Enthron'd within our hearts, he rules by love,
Supremely favour'd by the God above;
In him, with joy and wonder, we behold,
Disinterested love, contempt of gold;
Engag'd his country's welfare to pursue,
Now are its highest honours all his due;
There let them rest, nor envy dare to view.

Of all his toils, America to raise
Friends of true greatness, all will give him praise.

The wond'rous man who wielded sword and pen,
How great a benefactor he hath been!
Endear'd his name to all his countrymen.

United in himself at once we view,
Nice judgment, prudence, patience, valour too;
In his fam'd character, at once we find,
Those virtues which are sing'lar in mankind;
Engaging mildness, join'd with martial skill,
Determin'd resolution to fulfil;

Serious devotion, and benevolence,
Truth, probity, sincerety, good sense;
Alike prepar'd for closet, cab'net, field,
The same in war or peace, his country's shield.
Enjoy, O favour'd land! this blessing lent;
Such is GEORGE WASHINGTON, your President.

O land of freedom, plenty, happiness,
Forever may the Lord thy dwellings bless:

Newly disvover'd land, where freedom reigns,
Over thy hills, and vales, and fertile plains,
Revere and love the God who made you free,
That rais'd a champion for your liberty,
Happy, O land, in such a chief as he.

Awake my noblest strains, and hail the day,
My heart is warm, and all my words obey;
Enchanted, I could dwell among the song,
Rich with enliv'ning scenes; a glorious throng!
In that delightful coountry, we may find
Comely religion with fair freedom join'd,
And ev'ry blessing that can bless mankind.

LONDON, Feb. 11, 1792.