Classic Poem

What? always praise the olden right?
Still fondly o'er it brood? —
I am antiquity's true knight
Because 'tis just and good.

The Better shouldst thou rather praise,
And not the Good alone: —
Of Good I see some certain trace,
But of the Better — none.

But should I point it out indeed,
Be guided then by me: —
I pin my faith on no man's creed,
Man's rights I claim like thee.

Think'st thou wise counsel brings no gain?
Whence kindlest thou thy light? —
That homely sense I still retain
Dear to the homely wight.

Quick zeal and projects vast, I see,
Thou canst not comprehend: —
I rather praise such industry
As slowly gains its end.

True genius dares aloft to soar
And all men with it raise: —
The plant is rotten at the core
That never bud displays.

Thou canst not as a whole discern
Mankind's most bitter smart: —
Thou mean'st it well, but canst not learn
How beats a Patriot's heart .