Classic Poem

Fair Gratitude! thou glowing friend of Truth,
Bright with the ardour of unfading Youth!
When Kindness pours its balm with graceful art.
To heal the sorrows of the wounded heart —
Come to my aid — the languid Muse inspire —
Come with thy vivid spark, thy verse of fire!
And next to Heaven, where first the tribute's due,
Turn from the faithless world, to ONE that's true.
I call thee, Sense and Goodness to proclaim,
Temper'd and bright, and polish'd as his name!
Though terror oft attends the warlike sound,
The friend of gentle Mercy here 'tis found;
And Truth, with grateful Friendship shall reveal,
The Orphan's — Widow's Patron — dwells with Steel !