The Modern World disrob'd or, both sexes Stript of their pretended vertue. In Two Parts. First, Of the Ladies. Secondly, Of the Gentlemen. With Familiar Descant upon every Character [by Edward Ward] |
 | I. |
| II. |
The Worthy Patriot:
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 | The Modern World disrob'd |  |
217
The Worthy Patriot:
OR, The True English Nobleman.
223
Some
boast of Honours, Wealth, and Blood,
Which they, by Birth inherit,
And aim to be thought great and good,
Without one Grain of Merit:
Which they, by Birth inherit,
And aim to be thought great and good,
Without one Grain of Merit:
But 'tis not Title or Degree,
That makes us truly noble,
Because a gilded Fool may be
A Coward and a Bubble.
That makes us truly noble,
Because a gilded Fool may be
A Coward and a Bubble.
Wealth may be got by knavish Craft,
Or be the Gift of Fortune;
And Honours be bestow'd as oft
For Pranks behind the Curtain:
Or be the Gift of Fortune;
And Honours be bestow'd as oft
For Pranks behind the Curtain:
These are not always the Reward
Of Vertue, or of Brav'ry;
But have been heretofore conferr'd
On Minions, for their Knav'ry.
Of Vertue, or of Brav'ry;
But have been heretofore conferr'd
On Minions, for their Knav'ry.
224
When Titles are of long Descent,
What Man can tell how Honour
Was first obtain'd, or how 'twas meant,
When given by the Donor?
What Man can tell how Honour
Was first obtain'd, or how 'twas meant,
When given by the Donor?
Sometimes we've seen the fawning Slave
Made great, for little Reason;
And Honour's heap'd upon a Knave,
To stop his hatching Treason.
Made great, for little Reason;
And Honour's heap'd upon a Knave,
To stop his hatching Treason.
What Mortal then would idolize
High Titles and Exteriors,
Unless his Worship was more wise
And just, than his Inferiors?
High Titles and Exteriors,
Unless his Worship was more wise
And just, than his Inferiors?
Let no Man boast his high Degree,
Wealth, Honour, Education,
Unless h'as Will and Pow'r to be
A Champion for his Nation.
Wealth, Honour, Education,
Unless h'as Will and Pow'r to be
A Champion for his Nation.
| The Modern World disrob'd | |