Page:The Vanity of Human Wishes - Johnson (1749).djvu/30

 Such Bribes the rapid Greek o'er Asia whirl'd, For such the steady Romans shook the World; For such in distant Lands the Britons shine, And stain with Blood the Danube or the Rhine; This Pow'r has Praise, that Virtue scarce can warm, Till Fame supplies the universal Charm. Yet Reason frowns on War's unequal Game, Where wasted Nations raise a single Name, And mortgag'd States their Grandsires Wreaths regret From Age to Age in everlasting Debt; Wreaths which at last the dear-bought Right convey To rust on Medals, or on Stones decay.


 * On what Foundation stands the Warrior's Pride?

How just his Hopes let Swedish Charles decide; Rh