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Poem
January 5, 1797
The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser
Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Berkeley County, Jefferson County, West Virginia
What is this article about?
A satirical poem criticizing Britain's participation in war against France during a fast-day, invoking historical patriots like Milton and Hampden to decry tyranny, oppression, and hypocritical prayers for victory.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
SEAT OF THE MUSES.
From a late London paper.
ON THE LATE FAST-DAY.
In this far-fam'd spot of earth,
Which gave th' immortal Milton birth
Is this the soil where Hampden bled,
And Hampden's tyrant lost his head?
Is this the insulted ground,
For men of greatest souls renown'd:
For men who felt as men should feel,
And nobly grasp'd th' avenging steel,
For men, who have, in nature's sacred cause,
Bar'd the red arm of war, and spurn'd the oppressor's laws?
Yea, patriots, yes, behold the land.
Once propp'd by many a sturdy band:
By men who show'd the world, that kings,
Oppos'd to men, were only things;
Yes, view that Britain now combin'd,
With the worst tools of human kind
Behold her sons, with savage ire,
Eager to quench fair freedom's fire:
And mark her goodly sovereign's pious care,
Who spreads wide waging war, and whets the edge with prayer.
Shall I, because this curse would fain
Restore to France oppression's chain,
Shall I implore the God of Peace,
To grant that slaughter may increase?
No, from my soul, the war I execrate,
And would not join my prayers to 'void a villain's fate.
If o'er a murderer's back you fling
The purple robe that decks a king;
Or dozen out a band of thieves,
In crowns, or mitres, or lawn sleeves;
You'll find, disguise them as you will,
That villains will be villains still.
So, Britons, while your warriors die,
In the curs'd cause of tyranny,
Howe'er you fast, pray, weep, or groan,
'Tis all an impious cheat, guilt marks you for his own.
From a late London paper.
ON THE LATE FAST-DAY.
In this far-fam'd spot of earth,
Which gave th' immortal Milton birth
Is this the soil where Hampden bled,
And Hampden's tyrant lost his head?
Is this the insulted ground,
For men of greatest souls renown'd:
For men who felt as men should feel,
And nobly grasp'd th' avenging steel,
For men, who have, in nature's sacred cause,
Bar'd the red arm of war, and spurn'd the oppressor's laws?
Yea, patriots, yes, behold the land.
Once propp'd by many a sturdy band:
By men who show'd the world, that kings,
Oppos'd to men, were only things;
Yes, view that Britain now combin'd,
With the worst tools of human kind
Behold her sons, with savage ire,
Eager to quench fair freedom's fire:
And mark her goodly sovereign's pious care,
Who spreads wide waging war, and whets the edge with prayer.
Shall I, because this curse would fain
Restore to France oppression's chain,
Shall I implore the God of Peace,
To grant that slaughter may increase?
No, from my soul, the war I execrate,
And would not join my prayers to 'void a villain's fate.
If o'er a murderer's back you fling
The purple robe that decks a king;
Or dozen out a band of thieves,
In crowns, or mitres, or lawn sleeves;
You'll find, disguise them as you will,
That villains will be villains still.
So, Britons, while your warriors die,
In the curs'd cause of tyranny,
Howe'er you fast, pray, weep, or groan,
'Tis all an impious cheat, guilt marks you for his own.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Political
War Military
Liberty Independence
What keywords are associated?
Fast Day
Britain France War
Tyranny
Hampden Milton
Patriotism Liberty
Poem Details
Title
On The Late Fast Day.
Subject
On The Late Fast Day
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
Is This The Soil Where Hampden Bled, And Hampden's Tyrant Lost His Head?
Yea, Patriots, Yes, Behold The Land. Once Propp'd By Many A Sturdy Band:
Shall I Implore The God Of Peace, To Grant That Slaughter May Increase?
If O'er A Murderer's Back You Fling The Purple Robe That Decks A King;
'Tis All An Impious Cheat, Guilt Marks You For His Own.