The Poems of Philip Freneau Volume III Part 26

"Red war will soon be chang'd for peace, All human woe for human bliss, And nations that embrace again Enjoy a long pacific reign."

[123] This stanza was the chorus to be repeated after every eight lines.

[124] This stanza is not in the original version.

ADDRESS[126]

To the Republicans of America

Say--shall we pause, and here conclude our page, Or waft it onward to the coming age?-- Just as You say, whose efforts shook his throne, And plucked the brightest gem from George's crown-- Who, armed in Freedom's cause with hearts of steel, Have through these stormy times toiled for the common weal; Nor quit that standard thousands have deserted, By foreign arts, or gold, or t.i.tles re-converted.

If You, propitious to the press and pen, Gave vigour to the cause that roused up men When slavery's sons approached with Britain's fleet, Still we demand your aid--for Britain hates you yet: Not with the sword and gun she now contends But wages silent war, and by corruption bends, Foe to the system that enlightens man, Here, thrones she would erect, and frustrate Freedom's plan.

Here, on this virgin earth, the soil unstained, Where yet no tyrant has his purpose gained, Keep bright that flame which every bosom fired When Hessian hirelings from these lands retired, When, worn and wasted, all that murdering crew And British squadrons from the Hudson flew; When, leagued with France, you darts of vengeance hurled, And bade defiance to the despot world.

Ye heirs and owners of the future age Who soon will shove old actors from the stage, To you the care of liberty they trust When Was.h.i.+ngton and Gates are laid in dust-- When Jefferson, with Greene, in long repose Shall sleep, unconscious of your bliss or woes, Seeming to say, Be wise, be free, my sons, Nor let one tyrant trample on our bones.

[125] The chorus at this point was changed in the original edition to:

"O Virtue! source of pure delight, Extend thy happy sway, etc."

[126] First published in the _Time-Piece_, September 13, 1797. Freneau used this poem to end Volume I of his edition of 1809. I have followed the latter version.

TO PETER PORCUPINE.[127]

From Penn's famous city what hosts have departed, The streets and the houses are nearly deserted, But still there remain Two Vipers, that's plain, Who soon, it is thought, yellow flag will display; Old Porcupine preaching, And Fenno beseeching Some dung-cart to wheel him away.

Philadelphians, we're sorry you suffer by fevers, Or suffer such scullions to be your deceivers; Will. Pitt's noisy whelp With his red foxy scalp Whom the kennels of London spew'd out in a fright, Has skulk'd over here To snuffle and sneer, Like a puppy to snap, or a bull dog to bite.

If cut from the gallows, or kick'd from the post, Such fellows as these are of England the boast But Columbia's disgrace!

Begone from that place That was dignified once by a Franklin and Penn, But infested by you And your d.a.m.nable crew Will soon be deserted by all honest men.

[127] Published in the _Time-Piece_, September 13, 1797, and never again reprinted by Freneau. The poem bore the following introduction:

"Among a despicable mess of scurrility in one of Porcupine's Gazettes of last week, he mentions that 'he was plagued with the Time-Piece for several months.'--It has also been a plague to some others of his brethren, and will go on to be so, till they are hustled into their native dog kennels.--At the commencement of the Time-Piece, by way of soliciting an exchange of papers, the Editor transmitted one copy to each printer of a newspaper in Philadelphia. The compliment was immediately returned by them all except Porcupine. The Editor of the Time-Piece was in no want of his dirty vehicle of ribaldry, for the purposes of compilation. The paper, however, continued to be sent for a few weeks, till finding the hoggishness of the fellow, in not consenting to an exchange, the transmission was discontinued."

ON THE ATTEMPTED LAUNCH[128]

Of a Frigate, designed for war against a Sister Republic.--1798

Unless it be for mere defence May s.h.i.+pwrights fail to launch you hence, At best, the comrade of old Nick-- Some folks will smile to see you stick.

But now, suppose the matter done, And her the element upon; What cause have we mad wars to wage Or join the quarrels of the age?

Remote from Europe's wrangling race, Who show us no pacific face Let's tread negociation's track Before we venture to attack.

But to the seas if we must go, 'Tis clearly seen who is the foe, Who hastens, at no distant date, To repossess his lost estate.

I see them raise the storm of war, To cloud the gay columbian star, I see them, b.l.o.o.d.y, brave and base Make us the object of their chase.

Their s.h.i.+ps of such superior might All we possess will put to flight, Or bear them off, with all on board, To make a meal for George the third.

One frigate, only, will not do-- She must retreat while they pursue, To make her drink affliction's cup, And, heaven preserve us, eat her up.

A navy of stupendous strength 'Tis plain, must be our lot at length, To sweep the seas, to guard the sh.o.r.e, And crush their haughtiest seventy four.

Those puny s.h.i.+ps that now we frame, (The way that England plays her game) Will to their bull-dogs fall a prey The hour we get them under weigh.--

[128] Text from the 1815 edition.

ON THE LAUNCHING OF THE FRIGATE CONSt.i.tUTION[129]

The builders had the s.h.i.+p prepared, And near her stood a triple guard, For fear of secret foes.

Some, tiptoe stood to see her start, And would have said, with all their heart, In raptures, there she goes!

The stubborn s.h.i.+p, do what they could, Convinced them, she was made of wood Though plann'd with art supreme; All art, all force the s.h.i.+p defy'd-- Nor brilliant day, nor top of tide Could urge her to the stream.

Some, with their airs aristocratic, And some with honors diplomatic, Advanced to see the show: In vain the builder to her call'd-- In vain the s.h.i.+pwrights pull'd and haul'd-- She could not--would not go.

Each anti-federal, with a smile Observed the yet unfloating pile As if he meant to say, Builder, no doubt, you know your trade, A const.i.tution you have made But should her ways have better laid.

Well now to heave the s.h.i.+p afloat, To move from this unlucky spot, Take our advice, and give them soon, What should have long ago been done, Amendments--You Know What.

[129] Text from 1815 edition.

ON THE FREE USE OF THE LANCET[130]