University of Virginia Library


54

Against Interested Love.

(PROBABLY 1782.)

Who does not blush when charged with selfish views
Man boasts for man a principle of love;
But each with God a different course pursues,
And interest is the spring by which they move.
Oh, blindness of our mean and stupid race!
The selfish and the sordid we despise,

55

And yet the love of God incurs disgrace,
While love to man is sounded to the skies.
How speaks the world?—in Friendship's sacred cause
A generous service is its own reward,
A maxim all have stamped with their applause,
How speaks the world? My dear and valued friend
My recompense is found in serving you.