Soon made the Roman liberties his prize.

No mask in basest minds ambition wears,

But in full light pricks up her ass's ears:

All I have sung are instances of this,

And prove my theme unfolded not amiss.

Ye vain! desist from your erroneous strife;

Be wise, and quit the false sublime of life,

The true ambition there alone resides,

Where justice vindicates, and wisdom guides;

Where inward dignity joins outward state;