Unmoved, in conscious rectitude,

Thy towering mind self-centred stood,

Nor wanted man's opinion to be great.

In vain, to charm thy ravish'd sight,

A thousand gifts would fortune send;

In vain, to drive thee from the right,

A thousand sorrows urged thy end:

Like some well-fashion'd arch thy patience stood,

And purchased strength from its increasing load.

Pain met thee like a friend to set thee free,