A GENTLEMAN

(Psa. XV.)

'Tis he whose every thought and deed

By rule of virtue moves;

Whose generous tongue disdains to speak

The thing his heart disproves.

Who never did a slander forge

His neighbor's fame to wound;

Nor hearken to a false report

By malice whispered round.

Who vice in all its pomp and power

Can treat with just neglect;

And piety, though clothed in rags,

Religiously respect.

Who to his plighted word of truth

Has ever firmly stood;

And, though he promised to his loss,

Still makes his promise good.

Whose soul in usury disdains

His treasure to employ;

Whom no reward can ever bribe

The guiltless to destroy.

I hold it as a changeless law,

From which no soul can sway or swerve,

We have that in us which will draw

Whate'er we need or most deserve.

Poems with Power to Strengthen the Soul · 第 115 / 1002 题