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Poem
March 29, 1792
National Gazette
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
A poem occasioned by a House debate on Mr. Key's amendment to the Senate-originated mint bill, arguing that Liberty, not Washington, should be depicted on US coins to avoid monarchical implications and honor republican virtues.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
For the NATIONAL GAZETTE.
Occasioned by the Debate of this day, in the House
of Representatives, on the Amendment proposed
by Mr. Key to the Bill for establishing a
Mint, which originated in the Senate.
Can wise or serious ask,
A place upon their coin this day,
O'er which the world hath laurels spread?
Yes: Liberty, celestial Maid,
By whom its right to crown was given,
The eager hands of Congress stayed;
And claim'd that place, as set by heav'n.
Shall WASHINGTON my fav'rite Child.
"Be rank'd 'mongst haughty kings, she cry'd;
"Of manners pure, affections mild.
"For wild ambition be decried?
"Or shall each vile successor share
"That honor which you think his due?
"Or granting this were right, who dare
"This path of monarchy pursue?
"Because a sycophantic race
"Worship'd in every form their kings;
"And on their coins to their disgrace,
"Plac'd them if wise, or silly things;
"Because (for this you have been told)
"Their lands, their lives were not their own,
"Of course their silver and their gold
"Were his who sat upon their throne.
"Shall sons of this enlightened land,
"Neglecting thus their sacred right,
"As if not yet they understand
"Why heaven has favor'd them in fight,
"Thus madly mimic thoughtless fools?
"Let busts, let monuments arise
"To Washington! not like those fools
"On coins he'll stay; I'll bear him 'bove the
"skies.
"My image place upon each piece;"
His, and his virtues in your breast:"
"There you'll excell e'en Rome and Greece,"
"By all my fav'rite sons carest."
Phila. March 26.
Occasioned by the Debate of this day, in the House
of Representatives, on the Amendment proposed
by Mr. Key to the Bill for establishing a
Mint, which originated in the Senate.
Can wise or serious ask,
A place upon their coin this day,
O'er which the world hath laurels spread?
Yes: Liberty, celestial Maid,
By whom its right to crown was given,
The eager hands of Congress stayed;
And claim'd that place, as set by heav'n.
Shall WASHINGTON my fav'rite Child.
"Be rank'd 'mongst haughty kings, she cry'd;
"Of manners pure, affections mild.
"For wild ambition be decried?
"Or shall each vile successor share
"That honor which you think his due?
"Or granting this were right, who dare
"This path of monarchy pursue?
"Because a sycophantic race
"Worship'd in every form their kings;
"And on their coins to their disgrace,
"Plac'd them if wise, or silly things;
"Because (for this you have been told)
"Their lands, their lives were not their own,
"Of course their silver and their gold
"Were his who sat upon their throne.
"Shall sons of this enlightened land,
"Neglecting thus their sacred right,
"As if not yet they understand
"Why heaven has favor'd them in fight,
"Thus madly mimic thoughtless fools?
"Let busts, let monuments arise
"To Washington! not like those fools
"On coins he'll stay; I'll bear him 'bove the
"skies.
"My image place upon each piece;"
His, and his virtues in your breast:"
"There you'll excell e'en Rome and Greece,"
"By all my fav'rite sons carest."
Phila. March 26.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Political
Liberty Independence
What keywords are associated?
Mint Bill
Washington Coin
Liberty Symbol
Congress Debate
Republican Virtues
Poem Details
Subject
Debate In The House Of Representatives On The Amendment Proposed By Mr. Key To The Bill For Establishing A Mint, Which Originated In The Senate
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
Yes: Liberty, Celestial Maid,
By Whom Its Right To Crown Was Given,
Shall Washington My Fav'rite Child.
"Be Rank'd 'Mongst Haughty Kings, She Cry'd;
"My Image Place Upon Each Piece;"
His, And His Virtues In Your Breast:"