Explore "On Seeing Colours Consecrated: Presented by Mrs. Berkley" by James Parkerson on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Berkley, the female champion of our cause, / While gratitude exists demands applause; / The morn was fine and pleasant was the scene, / The sons of Briton met on Writtle green: / To church repair'd with fervency and grace, / And loyalty appear'd on every face; / Prayers were read with energy and truth, / To give instructions to the British youth; / The same good order then was plainly seen, / When they return'd advancing to the green: / The line was form'd and music now begins, / To offer praises to the best of kings; / The Captain with due modesty and grace, / Marches the ensigns to their proper place.
With manners pleasing and with accents just, / The worthy fair one yields the sacred trust; / Speaks of their duty in the hour of strife, / Never to yield those colours but with life: / With manliness the Captain quick replies, / No man will yield them! madam, till he dies; / Ensigns receiv'd them from the Captain's hand, / May God protect them ever in this land.