Benjamin Franklin Examined at the House of Commons

February 13, 1766

[Part of: “Let Those Flatter Who Fear”: American Independence in Verse.]

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Affection and respect—obedience and
Submission freely given were, till now,
The temper of America toward Britain.
It cost no armies manning garrisons;
No nervous frowning Redcoats stood to keep  
That fruitful people subject to the Crown.
Just a few warm words penned in ink and paper.
There was a fondness for your laws and for
Your customs; for your fashions and your manners.
But now you dare impose on us this tax