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Robert Treat Paine Papers

Robert Treat Paine Papers, Volume 1

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The Virgins Catechism

From William Downe

31 January 1750
From William Downe
Downe, William RTP
Jan. 1749/50

ARMA VIRUMQ CANO1

Amice,2 To tell of wondrous facts which were begun With how great Zeal and Courage carry'd on With solemn Phiz; and Arms extended high Each party strives the Other to Outvie Must with the greatest Prudence be related Since We Are BRETHEN, being all created The Brutes with equal Right may kindred claim Where nothing makes the Diff'rence but the Name As some Mens thoughts and actions fully prove So Brutal Herd, are Idle till they're Drove. But to the point in hand I fain would come Without the Trumpetts Sound, or noise of Drums 99 'Tis this in short; Sol scarce his head had rear'd Before a Num'rous Multitude appear'd At place appointed: to hear each man say Or rather, him who'd bear the greatest Sway In CONFUS'D Silence, much was there related After things were propos'd and Questions Stated (To inform you I do not intend hereby But only to whett up your Memory) Many were angry, some did frett and Scold Some contradicted what the 'Other told Till ROGER made appearance, fix'd in BOTTLE Who settled points that just before did Tottle And soon obtain'd an Universal Voice Made Opposite Parties, in Once Scheme rejoyce. Thus I hav finish'd all that lay before us Nothing remains but that we have the CHORUS. Yours, W—— D——3

RC ; addressed: "To Mr. Robert Treat Paine Living at Mr Fuller's in Lunenburg QDC"; endorsed: "Wm. Downe junr. Jan. 1749.50."

1.

"Arms and the man I sing." Virgil, the opening words of the Æneid.

 2.

Friend.

 3.

William Downe (1719–1759) graduated from Harvard in 1738 and preceded RTP as schoolmaster in Lunenburg. He became a member of the school committee and was later elected representative, selectman and town clerk. He here describes in verse a typical town meeting (Sibley's Harvard Graduates, 10:286–287).