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Poem
September 16, 1811
Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
A satirical poem addressing lovers of freedom, criticizing blind adherence to party leaders and politicians who betray their supporters, likening them to serpents sent by Heaven in vengeance.
Clipping
OCR Quality
97%
Excellent
Full Text
YE lovers of freedom, look round you, and see
How few in this country act wisely and free;
How many are driven by party's fierce flame,
To follow some leader, known only by name;
To bow at the shrine of some minion, or squire,
Who eager at pow'r, and promotion aspire,
Blind leaders of people more foolish than blind;
To envy and malice, and party resign'd ;
Sure Heaven, in vengeance, [as said of old Jove,
When ask'd by the frogs for a king from above,]
Has sent us down serpents, who spurn, and devour
The means that supported, and raised them to pow'r.
How few in this country act wisely and free;
How many are driven by party's fierce flame,
To follow some leader, known only by name;
To bow at the shrine of some minion, or squire,
Who eager at pow'r, and promotion aspire,
Blind leaders of people more foolish than blind;
To envy and malice, and party resign'd ;
Sure Heaven, in vengeance, [as said of old Jove,
When ask'd by the frogs for a king from above,]
Has sent us down serpents, who spurn, and devour
The means that supported, and raised them to pow'r.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Political
Liberty Independence
What keywords are associated?
Freedom Lovers
Party Leaders
Political Blind Followers
Heaven Vengeance
Serpents Power
Poem Details
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
Ye Lovers Of Freedom, Look Round You, And See
How Few In This Country Act Wisely And Free;
Blind Leaders Of People More Foolish Than Blind;
To Envy And Malice, And Party Resign'd ;
Sure Heaven, In Vengeance, [As Said Of Old Jove,
When Ask'd By The Frogs For A King From Above,]