The Borough

by George Crabbe

Now Hope shall whisper to the wounded breast

And Grief, in soothing expectation, rest.

“Yes, I am taught that men who think, who feel,

Unite the pains of thoughtful men to heal;

Not with disdainful pride, whose bounties make

The needy curse the benefits they take;

Not with the idle vanity that knows

Only a selfish joy when it bestows;

Not with o’erbearing wealth, that, in disdain,

Hurls the superfluous bliss at groaning pain;