Annotations in Verse

written in 1793

Wisdom and Science - honor'd Powers! Pardon the truth a sinner tells; I owe my dearest, raptured hours To folly with her cap and bells. Grant me, indulgent Heaven, that I may live To see the miscreants feel the pains they give: Deal Freedom's sacred treasures free as air, Till Slave and Despot be but things which were! Perish their names, however great or brave, Who in the Despot's cursed errands bleed! But who for Freedom fills a hero's grave, Fame with a Seraph-pen, record the glorious deed! Love's records, written on a heart like mine, Not Time's last effort can efface a line.