Classic Poem

We'll venture all in Virtue 's sacred Cause,
Proud to expire for Liberty , and Laws!
Thus nobly shall we fall , and, like the Sun ,
Set glorious , when our bold Race is run.
But O vile Age! produce us, if you can,
Another brave, sincere, well-meaning Man,
Who of his proper Garb is not afraid,
Tho' the whole World appears in Masquerade ;
But dares expose to all his honest Face,
As fearless of its Danger as Disgrace ;
Whose purer Soul admits of no Allay ;
But spurns the Dross of Interest away;
Who, unacquainted with a selfish End,
Is justly call'd a Patriot , and a Friend ;
Who knows at once how to be Good , and Great ,
And joins his Fortune to his Country 's Fate:
Who partially maintains no Faction 's Cause,
And follows only, where his Conscience draws;
Whose gen'rous Heart scorns to be blest alone ;
But for his Nation's Good impairs his own .
Show such a Man , so excellent, so rare,
Whose Soul is dealt out in so large a share;
We then no more will absent Justice mourn;
But hope to see the golden Age return!
Thus Alcibiades has often said
On either Side and each alike betray'd.