Which of thy names I take, not only bears A Roman sound, but Roman virtue wears, Illustrious Vere, or Horace; fit to be Sung by a Horace, or a muse as free; Which thou art to thyself: whose fame was won In the eye of Europe, where thy deeds were done, When on thy trumpet she did sound a blast, Whose relish to eternity shall last. I leave thy acts, which should I prosecute Throughout, might flattery seem; and to be mute To any one, were envy: which would live Against my grave, and time could not forgive. I speak thy other graces, not less shown, Nor less in practice; but less marked, less known: Humanity, and piety, which are As noble in great chiefs, as they are rare. And best become the valiant man to wear, Who more should seek men's reverence, than fear. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO HORACE BUMSTEAD by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON MASSACHUSETTS TO VIRGINIA by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER THE MAGPIES IN PICARDY by T. P. CAMERON WILSON PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 41. YA HASIB by EDWIN ARNOLD A SPIRITUAL LEGEND by PHILIP JAMES BAILEY CLIO, NINE ECLOGUES IN HONOUR OF NINE VIRTUES: 7. OF HOSPITALITY by WILLIAM BASSE |