Classic Poem

False is the tale by envious Rumour spread!
False are the hearts wherein it sprung and grew!
And false the tongues that first its poison shed
And others to believe their malice drew!
But that the Furies lent it gall is true —
And true it is that Megara supplies
Its thousand slanders, heaping old on new
And grieving still she cannot add more lies.
O! were they ever to be reached by steel
Shorn from her bust on earth should writhe and trail
Her slimy snake-like folds — thus taught to feel:
But thou Lamberto the detested tale,
Will banish from men's minds with friendly zeal
And Falsehoods overthrow fair Truth shall hail!