The Modern Patriot
by William Cowper (1731-1800)

Rebellion is my theme all day;
      I only wish ’twould come
(As who knows but perhaps it may?)
      A little nearer home.

Yon roaring boys, who rave and fight
      On t’other side th’ Atlantic
I always held them in the right
      But most so when most frantic.

When lawless mobs insult the court,
      That man shall be my toast,
If breaking windows be the sport,
      Who bravely breaks the most.

But oh! for him my fancy culls
      The choicest flow’rs she bears,
Who constitutionally pulls
      Your house about your ears.

Such civil broils are my delight;
      Though some folks can’t endure ’em,
Who say the mob are mad outright,
      And that a rope must cure ’em.

A rope! I wish we patrioits had
      Such strings for all who need ’em –
What! hang a man for going mad?
      Then farewell British freedom.

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