 | Stones from The Quarry |  |
ENVY.
Of all the thieves and robbers, beyond doubt,The worst of all is Envy, cursèd name!
That livid wretch, whose heart gnaws like a flame
At sight of excellence. Oh cast him out,
Ye ill-possessed, with all his hideous rout;
From hell all evil spirits with him came,
Who rob their victims, torture, put to shame,
And, capping injury with insult, flout.
Others but rob your purse, this wretch your heart;
The treasure too intrinse for vulgar thief,
This éxpert filches with consummate art;
The love of excellence, the crown and chief
Of good in man, which quickeneth every part,
He deadens, and destroys therein belief.
| Stones from The Quarry | |