While free from Force the Press remains,
Virtue and Freedom chear our Plains,
And Learning Largesses bestows,
And keeps unlicens'd open House.
We to the Nation's publick Mart
Our Works of Wit, and Schemes of Art,
And philosophic Goods, this Way,
Like Water carriage, cheap convey.
This Tree which Knowledge so affords,
Inquisitors with flaming swords
From Lay-Approach with Zeal defend,
Lest their own Paradise should end.
The Press from her fecundous Womb
Brought forth the Arts of Greece and Rome;
Her offspring, skill'd in Logic War,
Truth's Banner wav'd in open Air;
The Monster Superstition fled,
And hid in Shades in Gorgon Head;
And awless Pow'r, the long kept Field,
By Reason quell'd, was forc'd to yield.
This Nurse of Arts, and Freedom's Fence,
To chain, is Treason against Sense:
And Liberty, thy thousand Tongues
None silence who design no Wrongs;
For those who use the Gag's Restraint,
First Rob, before they stop Complaint.
Back to Benjamin Franklin
To be able to leave a comment here you must be registered. Log in or Sign up.
Comments2Just read a work by Benjamin Franklin, bit old school, but def makes u think bout freedom and press an all that. Some heavy stuff for sure 😀📚🗞 Could'a used more casual language tho 😉💬
Hi!
I discovered your book and really loved the world and characters you created. I?m a commission-based artist and poet, creating custom poems and artwork inspired by authors? characters, stories, and themes.
I can create something specifically for your work, whether it?s a character poem, horror, fantasy, romance, mystery, thriller, drama, adventure, sci-fi, historical, comedy, or emotional piece, along with promotional artwork and poetry.
If you?re interested, I?d be happy to send you some examples of my work!
Gmail: [email protected]