76
Epistles.
Adorn, ye Fates! the fav'rite youth assign'd
With each ennobling grace of form and mind:
In merit make him great, as great in blood;
Great without pride, and amiably good; 110
His breast the guardian ark of heav'n-born law,
To strike a faithless age with conscious awe:
In choice of friends by manly reason sway'd;
Not fear'd, but honour'd, and with love obey'd:
In courts and camps, in council and retreat 115
Wise, brave, and studious to support the state:
With candour firm; without ambition bold;
No deed discolour'd with the guilt of gold;
That Heav'n may judge the choicest blessings due,
And give the various good compris'd in you. 120
With each ennobling grace of form and mind:
In merit make him great, as great in blood;
Great without pride, and amiably good; 110
His breast the guardian ark of heav'n-born law,
To strike a faithless age with conscious awe:
In choice of friends by manly reason sway'd;
Not fear'd, but honour'd, and with love obey'd:
In courts and camps, in council and retreat 115
Wise, brave, and studious to support the state:
With candour firm; without ambition bold;
No deed discolour'd with the guilt of gold;
That Heav'n may judge the choicest blessings due,
And give the various good compris'd in you. 120
