The two books of the poem are set in November 1792 and April 1793. In November 1792, recent events included the storming of the Tuileries Palace and the September Massacres, reflecting a newly violent anti-monarchist turn led by Maximilien Robespierre. Priests who had refused to support the Civil Constitution of the Clergy had been declared traitors. They, and many others, fled France for other countries for safety; these emigrants' property was confiscated, and any who returned were subject to the death penalty. In April 1793, violence had escalated further with the execution of Louis XVI in January and England's declaration of war against France in February. Smith completed the poem in May 1793. The dedication is dated May 10, 1792, written from Brighthelmstone.