Epistle to James Craggs, Esq., Secretary of State
A soul as full of worth, as void of pride,Which nothing seeks to show, or needs to hide,Which nor to guilt nor fear its caution owes,And boasts a warmth that from no passion flows.A face untaught to feign; a judging eye,That darts severe upon a rising lie,And strikes a blush through frontless flattery.All this thou wert; and being this before,Know, kings and fortune cannot make thee more.Then scorn to gain a friend by servile ways,Nor wish to lose a foe these virtues raise;But candid, free, sincere, as you began,Proceed--a minister, but still a man.Be not (exalted to whate'er degree)Ashamed of any friend, not even of me:The patriot's plain, but untrod path pursue;If not, 'tis I must be ashamed of you.
Sign in to like, rate and collect poems, and keep track of what you've read.