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pains we lovers prove, Still what were life devoid of love? But ah! what wo, when doom'd to mourn The love that never meets return! In vain we boast of noble birth, And vain is wisdom, wit, or worth, Since sordid wealth alone is sought, And even love with gold is bought. Oh may he sleep in endless night, Who brought the shining plague to light; Who first gave worth to useless ore, And taught mankind to sigh for more! Gold breaks through every sacred tie, And bids a friend or brother die; The fruitful source of kindred strife, Gold would not spare a parent's life. Long wars and murders, crimes untold, All spring from cursed thirst of gold;