Classic Poem

Since none in virtue to perfection rise
But those who oft its precepts exercise,
We who dare greatly in the dawn of age
Heroic actions copy on the stage;
Think glory cheap though purchased oft with pain,
And pleasure when 'tis bought with guilt disdain;
Learn all the graces of a godlike mind,
In friendship gen'rous, and in love refined;
By great examples growing early wise,
When men must sure to noblest heights arise;
Like Romans in our country's cause appear,
And be the heroes we have acted here.
Yet to what end should we those heights attain?
The patriot acts, the scholar thinks in vain;
Here no Southamptons on the Muses smile;
No bounteous Dorsets bless our drooping isle.
But what, alas, is harder to be born;
Her native honors are by strangers worn!
Then, sure Hibernia's sons may justly fear,
Science will soon be out of fashion here;
Who for life's stage would study liberal arts,
When British actors play the nobler parts?