Thomas Park
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 90
Get eBook
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1808 edition. Excerpt: ...adore, And make me think that I am something more. Recal past times, bring back the days of old, When the great noble bore his honours bold, And in the face of peril, when he dar'd Things which his legal bastard, if declar'd, Might well discredit; faithful to his trust, In the extremest points of justice, just; Well knowing all, and lov'd by all he knew, True to his king, and to his country true; Honest at court, above the baits of gain, Plain in his dress, and in his manners plain; Moderate in wealth, generous, but not profuse, Well worthy riches, for he knew their use; Possessing much, and yet deserving more, Deserving those high honours which he wore With ease to all, and in return gain'd fame, Which all men paid, because he did not claim. When the grim war was plac'd in dread array Fierce as the lion roaring for his prey, Or lioness of royal whelps foredone, In peace, as mild as the departing sun, A general blessing wheresoe'er he turn'd, Patron of learning, nor himself unlearn'd; Ever awake at Pity's tender call, A father of the poor, a friend to all; Recal such times, and from the grave bring back A worth like this, my heart shall bend or crack, My stubborn pride give way, my tongue proclaim, And every Muse conspire to swell his fame; Till Envy shall to him that praise allow, Which she cannot deny to Temple now. This justiceclaims, nor shall the bard forget, "Delighted with the task, to pay that debt, To pay it like a man; and in his lays, Sounding such worth, prove his own right to praise. But let not pride and prejudice misdeem, And think that empty titles are my theme; Titles, with me, are vain, and nothing worth; I reverence virtue, but_ I laugh at birth. Give me a lord...