Thus, some tall tree that long hath stood
The glory of its native wood,
By storms destroyed, or length of years,
Demands the tribute of our tears.
The pile, that took long time to raise,
To dust returns by slow decays:
But, when its destined years are o'er,
We must regret the loss the more.
So long accustomed to your aid,
The world laments your exit made;
So long befriended by your art,
Philosopher, 'tis hard to part!--
When monarchs tumble to the ground,
Successors easily are found:
But, matchless FRANKLIN! what a few
Can hope to rival such as YOU,
Who seized from kings their sceptered pride,
And turned the lightning darts aside.
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Comments2This poem actually got me a bit teary-eyed 😢 The lines 'But, matchless FRANKLIN! what a few Can hope to rival such as YOU' really hit hard. The comparison of Franklin to a mighty tree destroyed by storms or time is so fitting - I never thought of him that way before 🌳. I felt a real sense of loss. Beautifully written.
Philip Morin Freneau's heartfelt tribute to the late great Benjamin Franklin is incredibly moving. His comparison of Franklin to a towering tree in the forest is poetically beautiful. Truly an emotional read.