A TRIBUTE, &c, SONG

They prosper best who have no king, To rob them and enthral; Then let our acclamations ring, At ev'ry tyrant's fall.

To drive the despots from their throne, And statesmen from their place: A woeful fighting is begun, Among the human race.

Now Edmund Burke, a rueful knight, (Whose tender heart did ach, To see the people gain their RIGHT) A solemn vow did make.

That paper—pen—and eke ink-horn, Should put them to the rout; The child shall bless that is unborn, The writings he sent out.

His thoughts with phrase theatric clad, Were strong to melt the ear; And metaphoric speech he had To make his subject clear.

With LOYALTY his bosom glow'd, And as he lov'd the gold; A little pension was bestow'd, To make him fight more bold.

The rules of errantry he knew, And did to France repair; To bid his peerless Queen, adieu! And thus address'd the fair:

"Delightful vision! it is mete, "Thy blessing ere I go! "I'll soon return and at thy feet, "Lay all my conquests low!"

She smil'd—When turning quickly round, He vanish'd from her sight; And light a hero took his ground, Already for the sight.—

These tidings came to Thomas Paine, A man of courage bold; Who could the "Rights of Man" explain, And king-craft too unfold.

With heart and head both sound and clear, The cause he undertook; And now in battle both appear, And Book appears to Book.

Loud vaunted Edmund in the field, Like Quixotte'mongst the sheep; Who thought with such a sword and shield To end them at a sweep!

The valour of Sir Knight was great, For in his rear we find; To cover, if he should retreat, Were but A FEW inclin'd.

While Paine (the foe of kings) appears Majestic on the plain; The shout of ALL THE WORLD he hears, And sees them in his train!

With courage did the Knight advance, Discerning not his foe; He challeng'd all the Knights of France, And aim'd the dreadful blow!

He gave them warning to retreat, And wonder'd at their stay; He little thought so soon to meet Obstruction in his way!

A thousand paces back he ran, At sight of warlike PAINE; And soon were seen THE RIGHTS OF MAN, Triumphant on the plain!

Base-born plebeian, said the Knight; As he retir'd with speed; It is not lawful we should fight, With men of vulgar breed—

So saying, and all out of breath, Quick out of sight he steals; And thought each moment cruel death Would seize his heavy heels.

These tidings came to George our king, In Windsor where he lay— What! what! what news, news! do you bring? Has Edmund lost the day?

O heavy, heavy, news, he said! England can witness be, There's none can give a Monarch aid, Of such account as he.

The Courts in black may all be hung, If they pursue the fight; Our passing bell will soon be rung, If men obtain their right.

The victory was soon proclaim'd, And eke the Monarch's dread; Forbidding books all left unnam'd: Even to be sold or read.

At which the Presses aiming well, Full charg'd, they all let fly; Enough was found the books to sell, Enough the books to buy.

And now the people all rejoice, Such tidings heard they never; They cry aloud with chearful voice, THE RIGHTS OF MAN FOREVER!!!