On Virtue
DESCRIPTION OF THE VIRTUOUS
Homage to him who keeps his heart a book For stainless matters, prone great talk to prize And nearness of the good; whose faithful look Rejoices in his own dear wife, whose eyes Are humble to the Master good and wise;
A passion high for learning, noble fear Of public shame who feels; treasures the still
Sweet love of God; to self no minister, But schools that ravener to his lordlier will,
Far from the evil herd on virtue’s hill.
THE NOBLE NATURE
Eloquence in the assembly; in the field The puissant arm, the lion’s heart; proud looks
Unshaken in defeat; but modest-kind Mercy when victory crowns; passionate for books High love of learning, thoughts to fame inclined ;—
‘These things are natural to the noble mind.
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