In december 1776 the patriot cause looked objectively hopeless. what hope did paine hold out

Paine was a strong supporter of the Patriots, and he believed that the best path that Americans could take was that of independence. He maintained this belief alive against all odds.

When the Patriot cause looked "objectively" hopeless, Paine still had some hope. He confessed that he had the belief that God was on the side of the Patriots, and thus would not abandon them. He thought that this was the case due to the fact that Americans had solemnly and constantly tried to avoid the tragedies of war.

the answer is aristophanes comedies.