Classic Poem

Where shall the sister arts protection find
But from the best and noblest of mankind?
Without such patrons science would decay,
And in oblivion moulder quite away:
The age would be of reason's light bereft,
Were not, like you, some bright examples left,
Who nourish learning, patronize our schools,
And rescue truth from the assaults of fools.
By your most godlike acts the world is told
That Bruce is what Maecenas was of old:
Like him from heroes sprung and ancient kings,
You feed afresh the Heliconian springs,
Relieve affliction, bid the poet live,
Bless'd in that bounty you delight to give.
Amazing goodness! greatly to bestow,
And not the person, but the motive know:
To such high worth the muse presumes to raise
This monument of gratitude and praise.