Classic Poem

Candour! I love thee, and thy looks divine
Where sense and truth, and gen'rous pity shine,
But oh! let holy wisdom mark thy ways
And teach thee just, discriminating praise!
Tho' fashion bribes thee, still its pow'r withstand,
And scorn the varnish form'd by flatt'ry's hand!
Beware O Candour! — lest enquiring youth
Shou'd see thee veil the sacred form of truth —
Shou'd vice invite thee with her treach'rous art,
With adamantine duty case thy heart;
From mischief fly, tho' Moloch's self shou'd plead
Nor smile oh Candour! on a barb'rous deed.
Smoothe not the way that leads to ruin's cell,
Nor deck the spot, where snakes and adders dwell.