University of Virginia Library

III.

Other lines:

To break the tenor of this sad repose,
Say what could rouse me but my country's woes?
But thus to see vice stalk in open day,
With shameless front, and universal sway!
To view proud villains drive the gilded car,
Deck'd with the spoils and ravages of war!
Whose ill-got wealth shifted from hand to hand,
With vice and want have delug'd all the land;
'Tis satire's only to avenge the cause,
On those that 'scape from Tyburn and the laws;
Drag forth each knave conspicuous and confest,
And hang them high—as scare-crows for the rest!
Let this grand object claim my every care,
And chase the sullen demon of despair,
(When passion fires us for the common weal,
For private griefs 'twere infamous to feel)
Till my full heart, disburden'd of its freight,
No more shall swell and heave beneath the weight;
This duteous tribute to my country paid,
Welcome pale sorrow and the silent shade!
From glory's standard yet should all retire,
And none be found to fan the generous fire;
No patriot soul to justify the song,
And urge its precepts on the slumbering throng;
In vain to virtue have I form'd the strain,
An angel's tongue might plead her cause in vain.
Some lone retreat I'll seek unknown to fame,
Nor hear the very echo of their shame;
Conscience shall pay me for the world's regret,
And Heav'n approve what mortals dare reject.