How few the friends like those in years of yore,
That honest age, but if one such there be
In Hellene culture steeped and Roman lore
Ennobled by a true simplicity,
A soul that Right and Honour hold in fee,
Whose inmost thoughts and vows are void of shame,
Whose giant mind upholds and makes him free,
My life on this — that Decian is his name.