Classic Poem

Go now, ingenuous Youth! — The trying hour
Is come: The World demands that thou shouldst go
To active life: There titles, wealth and power
May all be purchas'd — Yet I joy to know
Thou wilt not pay their price. The base controul
Of petty despots in their pedant reign
Already hast thou felt; — and high disdain
Of Tyrants is imprinted on thy soul[.] —
Not, where mistaken Glory, in the field
Rears her red banner, be thou ever found;
But, against proud Oppression raise the shield
Of Patriot daring — So shalt thou renown'd
For the best virtues live; or that denied
May'st die, as Hampden or as Sydney died!