14 July 1789

Sitting alone twiddling my keys
Guarding the madman of Bastille
One among a few of average offenders,
I tip back my chair and listen to the air
To hear the wild clatter of mob that was getting fatter.
I said, "Leave Bastille! What's the big deal?"
It only made them madder.
They said, "Free our thousands or we will kill you."
They rammed the door and made it broken;
I told them there were only six,
But they didn't hear a word spoken.


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Composed by Tim O'Sullivan, Michael Davies, and Caroline Moore of Miami University of Ohio.