PITY, says the Theban bard, From my wishes I discard; Envy, let me rather be, Rather far, a theme for thee! Pity to distress is shown, Envy to the great alone. So the Theban: but to shine Less conspicuous be mine! I prefer the golden mean, Pomp and penury between; For alarm and peril wait Ever on the loftiest state, And the lowest, to the end, Obloquy and scorn attend. |