John Trumbull

No man e'er felt the halter draw, With good opinion of the law.

As though there were a tie And obligation to posterity. We get them, bear them, breed, and nurse: What has posterity done for us. That we, lest they their rights should lose, Should trust our necks to gripe of noose?

But as some muskets so contrive it As oft to miss the mark they drive at, And though well aimed at duck or plover, Bear wide, and kick their owners over.

But optics sharp it needs, I ween, To see what is not to be seen.