Thou shining supplement of public laws!

When flatter'd crimes of a licentious age

Reproach our silence, and demand our rage;

When purchas'd follies, from each distant land,

Like arts, improve in Britain's skilful hand;

When the law shows her teeth, but dares not bite,

And south sea treasures are not brought to light;

When churchmen scripture for the classics quit,

Polite apostates from God's grace to wit;

When men grow great from their revenue spent,