Lines Addressed to the Rev. J.T. Becher, on his Advising the Author to Mix More with Society

1. 1Dear BECHER, you tell me to mix with mankind;
2. 2I cannot deny such a precept is wise;
3. 3But retirement accords with the tone of my mind:
4. 4I will not descend to a world I despise.

1. 5Did the Senate or Camp my exertions require,
2. 6Ambition might prompt me, at once, to go forth;
3. 7When Infancy's years of probation expire,
4. 8Perchance, I may strive to distinguish my birth.

1. 9The fire, in the cavern of Etna, conceal'd,
2. 10Still mantles unseen in its secret recess;
3. 11At length, in a volume terrific, reveal'd,
4. 12No torrent can quench it, no bounds can repress.

1. 13Oh! thus, the desire, in my bosom, for fame
2. 14Bids me live, but to hope for Posterity's praise.
3. 15Could I soar with the Phoenix on pinions of flame,
4. 16With him I would wish to expire in the blaze.

1. 17For the life of a Fox, of a Chatham the death,
2. 18What censure, what danger, what woe would I brave!
3. 19Their lives did not end, when they yielded their breath,
4. 20Their glory illumines the gloom of their grave.

1. 21Yet why should I mingle in Fashion's full herd?
2. 22Why crouch to her leaders, or cringe to her rules?
3. 23Why bend to the proud, or applaud the absurd?
4. 24Why search for delight, in the friendship of fools?

1. 25I have tasted the sweets, and the bitters, of love,
2. 26In friendship I early was taught to believe;
3. 27My passion the matrons of prudence reprove,
4. 28I have found that a friend may profess, yet deceive.

1. 29To me what is wealth?--it may pass in an hour,
2. 30If Tyrants prevail, or if Fortune should frown:
3. 31To me what is title?--the phantom of power;
4. 32To me what is fashion?--I seek but renown.

1. 33Deceit is a stranger, as yet, to my soul;
2. 34I, still, am unpractised to varnish the truth:
3. 35Then, why should I live in a hateful controul?
4. 36Why waste, upon folly, the days of my youth?