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Since I was pinged to this thread, I should contribute if I can. Below are the opening lines of a book I am about to complete, on Thomas Paine. The essence of the book is to compare Paine's observations two centuries ago, with events today. But it also demonstrates what no one prior has discovered, that Paine wrote his works in the heroic measure (or iambic pentameter).

These are the times....

These are the times that try men's souls.
The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will,
In this crisis, shrink from the service of their country;
But he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks
Of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell,
Is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us,
That the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.
What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly:
It is dearness only that gives every thing its value.

Opening paragraph, The American Crisis I, Thomas Paine, 1790.

Congressman Billybob

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