Honour

Me let the world disparage and despise — The world, that hugs its soul-corroding chains, The world, that spends for such ignoble gains. Let foe or bigot wrap my name in lies; Let Justice, blind and maimed and halt, chastise The rebel-spirit surging in my veins; Let the Law deal me penalties and pains; Let me be outcast in my neighbours' eyes.

But let me fall not in my own esteem, By poor deceit or petty greed debased; Let me be clean from undetected shame; Know myself true, though heretic I seem; Know myself faithful, howsoe'er disgraced; Upright and strong, for all the load of blame.