Classic Poem

Where the rich Wear, with wand'ring grace,
In gay profusion runs,
The guardian Genius of the place
Harangu'd his freeborn sons;
The burthen of his sacred strain
Was " Shaftoe live! live, gen'rous Vane! "

Where Durham lifts her sacred piles,
Rever'd in Gothic pride,
And wisdom, with meridian smiles,
Expands on ev'ry side,
Distinguish'd in bright honour's train,
Stand Shaftoe and illustrious Vane.

The noble heart that truth refines,
(With conscious worth replete)
More useful than Peruvian mines,
Adds virtues to the state;
Such patriot virtues as remain
With Shaftoe and illustrious Vane.

Confirm, my sons! confirm my choice,
And call my fav'rites forth,
Since fame approves the gen'ral voice,
And merit stamps their worth.
None can your sacred rights maintain
Like Shaftoe and illustrious Vane. "

The Genius ceas'd — from ev'ry part
Applause like lightning ran;
Conviction fir'd each glowing heart,
And catch'd from man to man:
Loud echoes fill'd the gladd'ning plain
With " Shaftoe live! — live, gen'rous Vane! "