Classic Poem

Riches will serve for titles, too,
That's true—that's true!
And they love most who oftenest sigh,
That's a lie—that's a lie!

That crowns give virtue—power gives wit,
That follies well on proud ones sit;
That poor men's slips deserve a halter;
While honors crown the great defaulter;
That 'nointed kings no wrong can do,
No right, such worms as I and you—
That's true—that's true!

To say a dull and sleepy warden
Can guard a many-portal'd garden;
That woes which darken many a day
One moment's smile can charm away;
To say you think that Celia's eye
Speaks aught but trick and treachery,
That's a lie—that's a lie!

That wisdom's bought and virtue sold;
And that you can provide with gold
For court a garter or a star,
And valor fit for peace or war;
And purchase knowledge at the U-
Niversity for P. or Q.—
That's true—that's true!

They must be gagged who go to court,
And bless, beside, the gagger for 't;
That rankless must be scourged, and thank
The scourgers when they're men of rank;
The humble, poor man's form and hue
Deserve both shame and suffering too—
That's true—that's true!

But wondrous favors to be done,
And glorious prizes to be won;
And downy pillows for our head,
And thornless roses for our bed;
From monarch's words—you'll trust and try,
And risk your honor on the die—
That's a lie—that's a lie!

That he who in the courts of law
Defends his person or estate,
Should have a privilege to draw
Upon the mighty River Plate;
And spite of all that he can do,
He will be plucked and laughed at too—
That's true, that's true!

To sow of pure and honest seeds,
And gather nought but waste and weeds;
And to pretend our care and toil
Had well prepared the ungrateful soil;
And then on righteous heaven to cry,
As 'twere unjust—and ask it why?—
That's a lie, that's a lie!