Classic Poem

A FABLE .

Sincerity, an haughty dame,
Who boasted loudly of her name,
Not much like Truth, divinely good,
But deckt in starch and buckram hood,
Happen'd I'm told, one summer's day
To meet with Flattery on her way;
A fair and polish'd maid was she
And much to ready to agree —
A varnish ever bright and new
Beneath her fertile fancy grew,
And ev'ry where with sly intention
'Tis said, she carries the invention.
" Whither so fast with treach rous plan? "
Abrupt Sincerity began,
" I know, deceitful foe to men,
" That falsehood sends thee from her den,
" And mischief, with an aspect gay
" Bestow'd that mirror on thy way,
" But soon with firm resistless might
" I'll bring that monster to the light;
" I'll dash the cordial which she gave thee!
" — Not vanity herself shall save thee. "

" Suspend your rage, and angry style "
(Says Flattery with a scornful smile)
" Madam, I fly with gen'rous aid
" To heal those wounds your spite has made —
" They say you wear (you know it best)
" A small stiletto in your breast;
" Excuse me ma'am (to speak it all)
" They say, 'tis sometimes dipt in gall!
" And there's a certain nymph — disdain —
" Who joins with rudeness in your train,
" I'm told there's malice too, and pride;
" (Bad company!) you keep beside;
" And Truth, your mistress, well you know
" Dismiss'd your service long ago
" Mercy she chose, sure none can blame her,
" And learnt that smile which so became her.
" When such a smile your face adorns
" And flowers are scatter'd with your thorns,
" When soft reluctance casts its shade
" O'er the rough pictures you have made —
" Madam, I'll be your convert too
" And bid my lying trade adieu —
" Till then unmoved, I take your warning
" And bid you now my best good morning. "
Just at this instant passing by
Truth saw them with indignant eye;
To trembling Flattery, thus she spoke,
" That lesson from my pen you took
" Sincerity, tho' savage grown,
" Was once a servant of my own,
" Still native worth in her I see
" But all is counterfeit in thee. "