It comes in snatches, dim then keen,
the mute, and yet there is no breeze,
the best synonym to replace the underlined word would be:
a dumb
c. sharp
b. soft
d dull

paine is arguying that they had tried everything before coming to the conclusion that they needed to fight for their freedom.

argument: "every quiet method for peace hath been ineffectual."

claim 1: "our prayers have been rejected with disdain; and only tended to convince us, that nothing flatters vanity, or confirms obstinacy in kings more than repeated petitioning and nothing hath contributed more than that very measure to make the kings of europe absolute."

claim 2: "wherefore, since nothing but blows will do, for god’s sake, let us come to a final separation, and not leave the next generation to be cutting throats, under the violated unmeaning names of parent and child."

which lines ? : )

explanation:

the answer is c) !

a. the idea that women need protection from men is a myth.