Philip Freneau on Thomas Paine

by the Poet of the American Revolution

The author of this poem - see bio link at bottom of this post - though somewhat forgotten today, was known as the Poet of the American Revolution in his time, January 2, 1752 – December 18, 1832. Again, for those duped by the Federalist slander that Paine was “forgotten and despised” in his time:

STANZAS ON THE DECEASE OF THOMAS PAINE

Who died at New-York, on the 8th of June, 1809

Princes and kings decay and die

And, instant, rise again:

But this is not the case, trust me,

With men like Thomas Paine.

In vain the democratic host

His equal would attain:

For years to come they will not boast

A second Thomas Paine.

Though many may his name assume;

Assumption is in vain;

For every man has not his plume— \

Whose name is Thomas Paine.

Though heaven bestow'd on all its sons

Their proper share of brain,

It gives to few, ye simple ones,

The mind of Thomas Paine.

To tyrants and the tyrant crew,

Indeed, he was the bane;

He writ, and gave them all their due,

And signed it,—Thomas Paine.

Oh! how we loved to see him write

And curb the race of Cain!

They hope and wish that Thomas P——

May never rise again.

What idle hopes!—yes—such a man

May yet appear again.—

When they are dead, they die for aye: —

Not so with Thomas Paine.

From the edition of 1815.

THE POEMS OF PHILIP FRENEAU

POET OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Edited for
The Princeton Historical Association

by
Fred Lewis Pattee

Volume III

Princeton, N. J.
The University Library
1907

Philip Freneau (January 2, 1752 – December 18, 1832) was an American poet, nationalist, polemicist, sea captain and newspaper editor sometimes called the "Poet of the American Revolution".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Freneau