On Love Of Praise

I.

Of all the springs within the mind

Which 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 end

Such reverence to the public bears;

Nor any passion, virtue's friend,

So like to virtue's self appears.

III.

For who in glory can delight

Without delight in glorious deeds?

What man a charming voice can slight,

Who courts the echo that succeeds?

IV.

But not the echo on the voice

More, 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 awe

From 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 same

Tho' in an humbler sphere it lies,

I count that soul of human fame,

The suffrage of the good and wise.