This song is variously claimed to have been written by Jeremiah Sargent or by Francis Hopkinson. More than likely it was written by John Mason, in whose paper, the Pennsylvania Packet it first appeared in 1775.
High on the banks of Delaware Fair Liberty she stood;
And waving with her lovely hand, Cried, "Still, thou roaring flood.
Be still ye winds, be still ye seas, Let only zephyrs play!"
Just as she spoke, they all obeyed; And thus the maid did say:
"Welcome my friends, from every land Where freedom doth not reign;
Oh! Hither fly from every clime, Sweet liberty to gain.
"Mark Londonderry's brave defence 'Gainst tyranny that swayed;
Americans, the example's great! Like them, be not dismayed.
"Expect not that on downy beds, This boon you can secure;
At perils smile, rouse up your souls! War's dangers to endure."
