Page:Poems, in two volumes (IA poemsintwovolume01word).pdf/45
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'Tis be whose law is reason; who dependsUpon that law as on the best of friends;Whence, in a state where men are tempted stillTo evil for a guard against worse ill,And what in quality or act is bestDoth seldom on a right foundation rest,He fixes good on good alone, and owesTo virtue every triumph that he knows:—Who, if he rise to station of command,Rises by open means; and there will standOn honourable terms, or else retire,And in himself possess his own desire;Who comprehends his trust, and to the sameKeeps faithful with a singleness of aim;And therefore does not stoop, nor lie in waitFor wealth, or honors, or for worldly state;Whom they must follow; on whose head must fall,Like showers of manna, if they come at all: