Her sting may haply pierce more timid hearts.

Some, though they wish it, are not steel'd enough,

Nor is each would-be villain conscience-proof.

And what, my friend, is left my song besides?

30

No school-day wealth that roll'd in silver tides,

No dreams of hope that won my early will,

Nor love, that pain'd in temporary thrill;

No gold to deck my pleasure-scorn'd abode,

No friend to whisper peace, to give me food.