O GRIEF, O spite, to see poor Virtue scorned, Truth far exiled, False Art loved, Vice adored, Free Justice sold, worst causes best adorned, Right cast by Power, Pity in vain implored! O who in such an age could wish to live, When none can have or hold, but such as give? O times, O men to Nature rebels grown, Poor in desert, in name rich, proud of shame, Wise but in ill! Your styles are not your own Though dearly bought; Honour is honest fame. Old stories, only, goodness now contain, And the true wisdom that is just and plain. |