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1752–1832

ON THE DEATH

Philip Morin Freneau

Like Sybil's leaves, abroad he spread His sheets, to awe the aspiring crew: Stock-jobbers fainted while they read; Each hidden scheme display'd to view —

Who could such doctrines spread abroad So long, and not be clapper-claw'd! Content with slow uncertain gains, With heart and hand prepar'd he stood

To send his works to distant plains, And hills beyond the Ohio-flood — And, since he had no time to lose, Preach'd whiggish lectures with his news.

Now death, with cold unsparing hand, ( At whose decree even Capets fall ) From life's poor glass has shook his sand, And sent him, fainting, to the wall —

Because he gave you some sad wipes, O Mammon! seize not thou his types. What shall be done, in such a case?— Shall I, because my partner fails,

Call in his bull-dogs from the chace To loll their tongues and drop their tails — No, faith — the title-hunting crew No longer fly than we pursue.

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ON THE DEATH · Philip Morin Freneau · Poetry Cove