Solomon said, "Oppression makes a wise man mad:" but what would he have said, had he lived in these days, and seen the oppression of the people of Boston, and the distressed situation of the inhabitants of Charlestown, Falmouth, Stonnington, Bristol, Norfolk, &c.? Would he not have said, "The tongue of the sucking child cleaveth to the roof of his mouth for thirst; the young children ask for bread, but no man breaketh it unto them?" "They that did feed delicately, perish in the streets; they that were brought up in scarlet, embrace the dung." What would he have said of rejected petitions, disregarded supplications, and contemned remonstrances? Would he not have said, "From hardness of heart, good Lord, deliver us?" What would he have said of a freeborn people butchered--their towns desolated, and become an heap of ashes--their inhabitants become beggars, wanderers and vagabonds--by the cruel orders of an unrelenting tyrant, wallowing in luxury, and wantonly wasting the people's wealth, to oppress them the more? Would he not have said, it was oppression and ingratitude in the highest degree, exceeding the oppression of the children of Israel? and, like Moses, have cried out, let the people go? Would he not have wondered at our patience and long-suffering, and have said, "'Tis time to change our master!--'Tis time to part!"--And had he been an American born, would he not have shewed his wisdom by adopting the language of independency? Happy then for America in these fluctuating times, she is not without her Solomons, who see the necessity of heark'ning to reason, and listening to the voice of COMMON SENSE. THE GODDESS OF LIBERTY Hail! Patriots,[5] hail! by me inspired be! Speak boldly, think and act for Liberty, United sons, America's choice band, Ye Patriots firm, ye sav'ours of the land. Hail! Patriots, hail! rise with the rising sun, Nor quit your labour, till the work is done. Ye early risers in your country's cause, Shine forth at noon, for Liberty and Laws. Build a strong tow'r, whose fabric may endure Firm as a rock, from tyranny secure. Yet would you build my fabric to endure, Be your hearts warm--but let your hands be pure. Never to shine, yourselves, your country sell; But think you nobly, while in place act well. Let no self-server general trust betray, No picque, no party, bar the public way. Front an arm'd world, with union on your side: No foe shall shake you--if no friends divide. At night repose, and sweetly take your rest; None sleeps so sound as those by conscience blest; May martyr'd patriots whisper in your ear, To tread the paths of virtue without fear; May pleasing visions charm your patriot eyes; While Freedom's sons shall hail you blest and wise, Hail! my last hope, she cries, inspired by me, Wish, talk, write, fight, and die--for LIBERTY. FOOTNOTES: [5] The Congress THE PROLOGUE