When tools of power he bar'd to public view,
And from their holes the sneaking cowards drew;
When Rancour found it far beyond her reach,
To soil his honour, and his truth impeach,—
What could induce thee, at a time and place
Where manly foes had blush'd to show their face,
To make that effort which must damn thy name,
And sink thee deep, deep in the grave with shame!
Did Virtue move thee? no, 'twas pride, rank pride,
And if thou hadst not done it, thou hadst died.