Classic Poem

A FABLE

As Charity, the other day,
Unheeded took her secret way;
Her face was mask'd, her air serene —
She stole so softly o'er the green,
No human creature cou'd have heard her;
Even Malice wou'd have thought her further.
Cautious of treach'ry seem'd the maid,
Of her own shadow half afraid;
She often look'd behind her too,
That none her footsteps might pursue.
Thus as she walk'd with cautious feet,
Hypocrisy she chanc'd to meet,
Who wore a face so like her own,
The difference cou'd scarce be known.

" What dost thou mean? why take my form?
(Says Charity with anger warm)
" Oh thou! for whom I'm in disgrace,
Why dost thou cheat the human race?
No open vice cou'd ever be
So hurtful to my cause as thee. "

" Perfidious Wretch! " replied the cheat —
" Cease these invectives of deceit;
Appeal to all the world around!
Am not I still with honour crown'd?
Does not the gen'ral voice proclaim,
And recompence my worth with fame?

" Why art thou here — unknown — neglected!
" But thy imposture is detected!
" 'Tis thine my graceful air to ape;
" I prithee chuse some other shape!
" See Folly here — to her appeal —
" Thy spiteful tricks she'll soon reveal. "

Truth chanc'd to pass that moment by,
She view'd them with a doubtful eye;
So like they seem'd, — she did not know
Her friend from her invet'rate foe:
But hearing their dispute, she said,
" Come let me now the judge be made
" Unprejudic'd I'll give my oath,
" And do right justice on ye both.
" But first, I've got a piece of news,
" Which ev'ry greedy ear pursues:
" A friend there is to one of you —
" D AMON the gen'rous, and the true;
" The frank, the honest, and the just!
" Our Damon has betray'd his trust!
" Has robb'd his friend — ungrateful swain! —
" A sordid woman's heart to gain.
" Damon my name doth disavow;
" Ah say, who can be trusted now?
" What punishment doth he deserve,
" Who from our laws like him can swerve?
" Can sink at once — can sink so low!
" For such a wretch can pity flow? "

Hypocrisy exclaims aloud —
" Perfidious, interested crowd!
" No faith — no honour to be found!
" 'Tis all rank treachery around.
" What punishment? — Eternal shame
" And infamy attend his name!
" May daggers pierce his faithless heart,
" And hell be felt in ev'ry part!
" Death, racks and tortures, are his due,
" And these are much too gentle too.
" Oh Wretch! whom no excuse shou'd save!
" Indeed, I thought I saw the knave:
" I thought thro' all that specious smile,
" I saw a soul completely vile;
" I thought along, 'twas all pretence:
" All that profusion and expence,
" Was but to gratify the pride
" His arts from me cou'd never hide.
" For all his name was so preferr'd,
" Upon my life, I never heard
" One act of charity he did;
" They say his charities were hid —
" A praise we justly may give to 'em,
" When not one creature ever knew 'em. "

" Enough! " said Truth, and turn'd away,
To hear what Charity wou'd say:
But she, not prone to be severe,
Cou'd only answer, with a tear!

" 'Tis plain, " said Folly, in a heat,
" That's the impostor — that's the cheat!
" 'Tis plain — she's not a word to say;
" Come, let us drive the wretch away. "

" And dost thou raise thy abject head?
(Superior Truth, indignant said)
" Thou'rt Folly , tawdry wretch, I see —
" For know from T RUTH — THAT'S C HARITY .