Some vanity, I know, is in this strain,

But men may be with reason sometimes vain:

Shall he alone who does a worthy deed

Not pay himself, if so he will, that meed

Of self-applause from which all virtues spring,—

Without it who would do a noble thing?

So let the world arraign me as it will,

It cannot now my satisfaction chill,

Since you, dear friend! and all whose praise I prize,

Look on my labours with approving eyes.