THE True Gentleman


'Tis he who every thought and deed

By rule of virtue moves, 

"Whose generous tongue disdains to see

The thing his heart disproves;

Who never did a slander forge, 

His neighbor's fame to wound,

Nor hearken to a false report 

By malice whispered round;

Who vice, in all its pomp and power, 

Can treat with just neglect; 

And piety, though clothed in rags, 

Religiously respect;

Who to his plighted words and trust,

Has ever firmly stood, 

And, though he promise to his loss,

Yet makes his promise good;

Whose soul, in usury, disdains

His treasure to employ, 

Whom no rewards can ever bribe,

The guiltless to destroy.