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Poem Written After the Boston Massacre

Historically inaccurate illustration by Paul Revere
A more accurate illustration of the Boston Massacre

During the revolutionary era, many people used songs and poems to express their thoughts and feelings. This poem expresses the narrator's thoughts about the men charged in the deaths of the innocents. It also provides a unique view of the events of the evening of March 5, 1770.

Seven Long Months has faded quite away
Since INNOCENCE itself became prey
to Bloody men.
Was it my Eyes deceiv'd me? did I dream
Or did I Clearly see through every scene,
Bloody Trickling Down?
Doth not the Stings of Conscience prick he sore,
In laying Harmless Youths in Bloody Gore
Ye Murderers all.
But now at length your trials they draw near.
Can you expect GOD'S righteous Laws to clear [you]
In doing this?
Impartial trials we do hope to see
And may no Bribes be Giv'n to set you free
from Rightful Laws.

Questions:

  1. Given the words above, if the narrator were on the jury, what decision would he/she likely have made regarding the guilt or innocence of the guards?
  2. What reasons do you have for your decision of guilt or innocence?
  3. What words would suggest the narrator would like to see a fair trial?
  4. What is the major theme of this poem?
  5. What evidence is there that the people who were crowding the streets that evening were innocent?