Oh mighty stricken oak, once stalwart BROWN,
        By sad Adversity and sour, malicious Fate
        Beset, assailed by calumnious lies and jealous Hate,
        And vile Traitors envious of thy Crown!

        Amidst the wreckage of thy former Pride,
        Of broken promises and shatter'd Might
        Thou liest forlorn, a pitiable sight;
        Thy vows forsworn, thine one-time Fame decried!

        The laureate wreaths which once thy forehead crowned
        Now dry and sere; the fickle plaudits of the crowd
        No longer ring and, hark! Cries insolent and loud
        Assault thine ears and accusations false abound!

        Take heed! For grim assassins gather round
        And whet their knives to fell thee to the ground!