Note 58 — POEMS OF PHILIP FRENEAU
Reading edition
First published in the National Gazette, August 4, 1792, as Ode IV in the series, "Odes on Various Subjects." It bore the title "To the National Gazette." The opening stanza was as follows:
"Nine months are now elaps'd, dear rambling paper, Since first on this world's stage you cut your caper With spirit still of democratic proof, And still despising Whaacum's canker'd hoof— What doom the fates decree, is hard to say, Whether to live to some far distant day, Or sickening in your prime In this news-taxing clime, Take pet, make wings, say prayers, and flit away. AIR. Virtue, Order, and Religion,* Haste and seek some other region," etc.
The poem was revised for the edition of 1795, so as to refer to the edition of 1788, issued seven years before the edition of 1795. It was not published in 1809.