Classic Poem

R OGERS , when thou art gone thy graceful page
Fond hearts will cherish 'mid their choicest stores.
Happy the man who, while his spirit soars
And themes immortal his pure thoughts engage,
Can stoop to earth, Heaven's messenger of love,
Zealous the wrongs and hardship to assuage
Of struggling Genius or desponding Age.
This be thy fame, my friend. A wreath above
Even the crown of laurel thou hast won!
Better it is to win the heart than mind;
But he who both in one sweet spell can bind,
Cheer with kind looks, or shine as Cowley shone,
And something good in every thing can find,
May safely hope his course he well hath run.