Well it becomes thee, Britain, to avow JOHNSON'S high claims!—yet boasting that his fires Were of @3unclouded@1 lustre, Truth retires Blushing, and Justice knits her solemn brow; The eyes of Gratitude withdraw the glow His moral strain inspired.—Their zeal requires That thou should'st better guard the sacred Lyres, Sources of thy bright fame, than to bestow Perfection's wreath on him, whose ruthless hand, Goaded by jealous rage, the laurels tore, That Justice, Truth, and Gratitude demand Should deck those Lyres till Time shall be no more.— A radiant course did JOHNSON'S Glory run, But large the spots that darken'd on its Sun. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FROM THE GREATER TESTAMENT (XXII, XXIII, AND XXVI) by FRANCOIS VILLON COLORADO MORTON'S RIDE by LEONARD BACON (1887-1954) AN EPITAPH, INTENDED FOR HIMSELF by JAMES BEATTIE TO IMAGINATION (2) by EMILY JANE BRONTE THE REVENGE OF HAMISH by SIDNEY LANIER AN ADDRESS TO THE DEITY by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |