Thou quick precursor of the liberal deed!
Thou hasty conscience! reason’s blushing morn!
Instinctive kindness e’er reflection’s born!
Prompt sense of equity! to thee belongs
The swift redress of unexamined wrongs;
Eager to serve, the cause perhaps untried,
But always apt to choose the suffering side;
To those who know thee not no words can paint,
And those who know thee know all words are faint.
She does not feel thy power who boasts thy flame,