The Poems Of Mark Akenside | ||
308
ODE V. ON LOVE OF PRAISE.
I
Of all the springs within the mindWhich prompt her steps in fortune's maze,
From none more pleasing aid we find
Than from the genuine love of praise.
II
Nor any partial, private endSuch reverence to the public bears;
Nor any passion, virtue's friend,
So like to virtue's self appears.
III
For who in glory can delightWithout delight in glorious deeds?
What man a charming voice can slight,
Who courts the echo that succeeds?
309
IV
But not the echo on the voiceMore, than on virtue praise, depends;
To which, of course, it's real price
The judgment of the praiser lends.
V
If praise then with religious aweFrom the sole perfect judge be sought,
A nobler aim, a purer law
Nor priest, nor bard, nor sage hath taught.
VI
With which in character the sameTho' in an humbler sphere it lies,
I count that soul of human fame,
The suffrage of the good and wise.
The Poems Of Mark Akenside | ||