Tis time a new system of things was embraced To prevail on a planet so often debased;[114] As here, with our freedom, that system began, Here, at least keep it pure--for the honor of man. [101] From the edition of 1815. This was Freneau's salutatory in the first number of the _Time-Piece_, March 13, 1797. Here it bore the title "Poetical Address" and differed in many respects from the final version. I have indicated in the following notes only the most significant revisions. [102] "Our pages."--_Time-Piece._ [103] "We'll mend what is middling, and better the bad."--_Ib._ [104] "And give the due substance and sum of the NEWS."--_Ib._ [105] "Embark'd on this ocean, and wishing no fray, We'll strive for a chance with the prints of the day; The news of all nations import from all climes, And carefully copy _the cast of_ THE TIMES."--_Time-Piece._ [106] "In political squib or poetical wit."--_Ib._ [107] "He's equally free _to return it in kind_."--_Ib._ [108] "We'll join."--_Ib._ [109] "Britain."--_Ib._ [110] "_Of the_ PRESS."--_Ib._ [111] "'TIS THIS that will throw a new light on the ball."--_Ib._ [112] This stanza not in the _Time-Piece_ version. [113] "The change of old manners."--_Ib._ [114] "To encircle a world that has long been debas'd."--_Ib._ ON THE WAR[115] Projected with the Republic of France The cause that rests on reason's ground, Shall potent through the world be found, Mankind must yield to that decree Which humbles pride and tyranny. O'er this wide globe what darkness broods, What misery, murder, wars and feuds!-- Does man deserve the solar light While he performs the deeds of night? When to the gates of modern Rome We see the gallic legions come, Their triumphs should, in honor, be To make them men, and make them free. In these new wars new views we trace, Not fetters for the human race, And, France, where'er you dart your rays Old superstition's reign decays. But look again!--what myriads join The vast reform to undermine! What labor, bribes, and deep-laid schemes To quench the sun, and reason's beams! Shall these succeed? and will that sun Continue, still, his race to run O'er scenes that he must blush to see Disorder, chains, and tyranny? Must systems, still, of monstrous birth, Enslave mankind, deform this earth? No!--to the question answers fate, These efforts come an age too late. In such a system to combine, Columbia, can the wish be thine! Could such a thought assail your heart, To take that base, ungrateful part. From Britain's yoke so lately freed Would she her hosts, her legions lead To crush that power, which jointly gain'd And once her sinking cause sustain'd? From all true hearts be banish'd far The thought of so profane a war-- A curse would on her arms attend And all her well-earn'd honors end.