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The TRUE HERO.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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29

The TRUE HERO.

There is no courage, but in innocence;
No constancy, but in an honest cause.
Southern.

To whom shall bards in lasting lays
The heroe's name assign,
To him who scorning blame and praise,
Treads virtue's narrow line.
Whose reason's sovereign pow'r restrains
Each rebel wish within,
Whose steady soul so firm remains,
That nought can bribe to sin.
Bid wasteful war with hideous train,
Let all its horrors roar,
With heaps of dead bestrew the plain,
And slaughter pant for more.

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Or should he stand where earthquakes tear,
And bellowing tempests blow;
Where mountains sudden rise, and where
Whole cities sink below.
With fearless heart, and easy mien,
He views the dreadful sight,
His guiltless soul remains serene,
Prepar'd to take her flight.
No danger can disturb his rest,
Secure of heaven's defence;
For what can shake the man whose breast
Is arm'd with innocence.