And thus an unsuspected bribe shall blind the good man's judgment:
It is easy to excuse greatness, and the rich are readily forgiven:
What, if his gains were evil, sanctified by using them aright?
O shallow flatterer, self-interest is thy thought,
Hopeless of partaking in the like, thou too wouldst scorn the giver.
Money hath its value; and the scatterer thereof his thanks:
Few men, drinking at a rivulet, stop to consider its source.
The hand that closeth on an alm, be it for necessities or zeal,
Hath small scruple whence it came: Vespasian rejoiceth in his tribute.