No more to roam through science unconfin'd,
You to one object bend your active mind,
Enough already vers'd in classic lore,
The volumes of the law you now explore:
These lays, though humble, yet sincere, attend,
Forgive the author, and approve the friend.
First, let instructions now confirm'd by age,
Your time, your talents, and your care engage;
The laws and constitution of the land
It first, and most, befits to understand;
On this foundation you alone can raise
The superstructure of your future praise.
Next, read, if as a speaker you would shine,
Demosthenes and Tully line by line;
Remark in what their diff'rent merit lies,
The Roman copious, and the Greek concise:
From one your meaning learn with force to trace,
From t'other, to adorn your stile with grace;
Learn from the one conviction to impress,
From t'other truth to clothe in pleasing dress.
To study add example:—Oft resort
To the full pleadings of the crouded court;
Some useful hint from ev'ry speaker take,
But to yourself—yourself—a model make.
'Bove all, my friend, ah, ne'er forget to feel
The love of praise, that now inflames your zeal:
Still may your veins glow with ambition's heat,
And still to honour's call your bosom beat!
Be yours the task weak virtue to defend,
And confidence to modest truth to lend,
And to each purpose of a noble heart
Employ your elocution's powerful art.
O may your future and distinguish'd praise
Confirm the promise of your early days!
The just reward of merit may you claim
High in your station, higher in your fame!