Classic Poem

To brag or boasTof one's own deeds
Is nature's mild insanity—
The pabulum on which one feeds
The craving, ever-pressing needs
Of this weakness of humanity.

And I would aid to place a ban
Upon all thoughts satirical;
For I believe that every man
Is, in his heart, a charlatan,
And more or less empirical.

Then why pose as exceptional,
Or claim superiorities,
When at thy soul's confessional
Thou hast, perforce, to mention all
Thine own inferiorities?

Come, let us strive to be so great
As to deny disparity
Between the faults with all innate,
And ours, that are commensurate—
Thus practising true charity!