Classic Poem

Successful suitor at the Muse's feet,
Accept the tribute of a wight whose name
Ne'er found a place upon the scroll of Fame,
Nor gathered from her lips one sentence sweet;
Who never mingled with the crowds that meet
At Learning's shrine, intent to catch the lore
Of soul-exalting Science, and explore
Paths that betray Philosophy's retreat:
Yet Hope hath taught — that ever-welcome cheat —
His intellectual feelings to aspire,
Though Poverty would quench the wakening fire,
And fix Despair on Hope's unsteady seat
He who doth breathe this unassuming strain,
Would gladly link with thee in Friendship's honoured chain.