Classic Poem

While I the God-like Men of old,
In Admiration wrapt behold!
Rever'd Antiquity explore,
And turn the long-liv'd Volumes o'er,
Where Cato, Plutarch, Flaccus shine
In ev'ry Excellence divine;
I grieve that our degen'rate Days,
Produce no mighty Souls like these;
Patriot, Philosopher and Bard,
Are names unknown and seldom heard.
Spare your Reflection, Phoebus cries,
'Tis as ungrateful as unwise;
Can you complain this sacred Day,
That Virtues, or that Arts decay?
Behold in SWIFT reviv'd appears
The Virtues of unnumber'd Years;
Behold in him with new Delight,
The Patriot, Bard, and Sage unite;
And know, Ierne in that Name
Shall rival Greece and Rome in fame.