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1793.11
The Disgusted Patriot
Thomas
Day [1]
The Cambridge Intelligencer (September 7, 1793)
By Thomas Day, Esq.
Written during the Late War.
When faithless Senates venally betray,
When each degenerate noble is a slave,
When Britain falls an unresisting prey,
What part befits the generous and the brave?
In vain the task to rouse my country's ire,
And imp once more the
stork's[2] dejected wings;
To solitude indignant I retire,
And leave the world to courtiers, priests,
and
kings.
Not like the deer, whom, wearied in the race,
Each leaf astonishes, each breeze appals,
But like the lion, when he turns the chase
Back on his hunters—and the valiant falls!
Then let untam'd oppression rage aloof
And rule o'er men who ask not to be freed;
To Liberty I vow this humble roof,
And he that violates its shade shall bleed!