Classic Poem

Modern Olympia! shorn of all their pride —
The patriot spirit, and unlucred praise —
Thou art a type of these degenerate days
When love of simple honour all hath died;
Oh! dusty, gay, and eager multitude,
Agape for gold — No! do not thus condemn;
For hundreds here are innocent, and good,
And young, and fair, among — but not of — them;
And hundreds more enjoy with gratitude
This well-earned holiday, so bright and green:
Do not condemn! it is a stirring scene,
Though vanity and folly fill it up:
Look how the mettled racers please the queen!
Ha, brave John Day — a Hero wins the cup!