Page:Masterpieces of Greek Literature (1902).djvu/111

Rh And ever watchful of the public weal,

Unnumber'd witnesses around thee stand.

Then, would thy virtuous ear for ever feast

On the sweet melody of well-earn'd fame,

In gen'rous purposes confirm thy breast,

Nor dread expenses that will grace thy name;

But scorning sordid and unprincely gain,

Spread all thy bounteous sails, and launch into the main.

When in the mould'ring urn the monarch lies,

His fame in lively characters remains,

Or grav'd in monumental histories,

Or deck'd and painted in Aonian strains.

Thus fresh, and fragrant, and immortal blooms

The virtue, Croesus, of thy gentle mind.

While fate to infamy and hatred dooms

Sicilia's tyrant, scorn of human kind;

Whose ruthless bosom swell'd with cruel pride,

When in his brazen bull the broiling wretches died.

Him therefore nor in sweet society

The gen'rous youth conversing ever name,

Nor with the harp's delightful melody

Mingle his odious inharmonious fame.

The first, the greatest bliss on man conferr'd

Is in the acts of virtue to excel;

The second, to obtain their high reward,

The soul-exalting praise of doing well.

Who both these lots attains, is bless'd indeed,

Since fortune here below can give no richer meed.