Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A POLITICAL LITANY, by PHILIP FRENEAU


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A POLITICAL LITANY, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: From a junta that labor for absolute power
Last Line: And britain go on -- to be damned, if she will.
Variant Title(s): Libera Nos, Domine - Deliver Us, O Lord
Subject(s): Great Britain - Rulers; Politics & Government; United States; America


From a junta that labor for absolute power,
Whose schemes disappointed have made them look sour,
From the lords of the council, who fight against freedom,
Who still follow on where the devil shall lead 'em.

From the group at St. James, that slight our Petitions,
And fools that are waiting for further submissions --
From a nation whose manners are rough and abrupt,
From scoundrels and rascals whom gold can corrupt,

From pirates sent out by command of the king
To murder and plunder, but never to swing,
From Wallace and Greaves, and Vipers and Roses
Whom, if heaven pleases, we'll give bloody noses.

From the valiant Dunmore, with his crew of banditti,
Who plunder Virginians at Williamsburg city,
From hot-headed Montague, mighty to swear,
The little fat man with his pretty white hair.

From bishops in Britain, who butchers are grown,
From slaves that would die for a smile from the throne,
From assemblies that vote against Congress proceedings,
(Who now see the fruit of their stupid misleadings).

From Tyron the mighty, who flies from out city,
And, swelled with importance, disdains the committee;
(But since he is pleased to proclaim us his foes,
What the devil care we where the devil he goes).

From the scoundrel, lord North, who would bind us in chains,
From a dunce of a king who was born without brains,
The utmost extent of whose sense is to see
That reigning and making of buttons agree.

From an island that bullies, and hectors, and swears,
I send up to heaven my wishes and prayers
That we, disunited, may freemen be still,
And Britain go on -- to be damned, if she will.





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