Hymns for the Amusement of Children (1791)/Honour

by Christopher Smart

HYMN XXX.

HONOUR.

In Man it is the truth affirm'd,
Mean craft and guile withstood,
And variously by various term'd,
Is both by grace and blood.

5Courage and patriot zeal thou art,
An ardour for the whole,
At once munificence of heart,
And magnitude of soul.

In women 'tis that jealous fear,
10Which tends to parry shame;
It is their Chastity's barrier,
And bulwark of their fame.

It is sweet dignity and ease,
Reserve without disdain;
15Pleasing, tho' negligent to please,
Bearing, not giving pain,

Then kneel, ye little prattlers down,
I'll bless, if you will pray,
And one shall wear the laurel crown,
20 And one be Queen of May.

 

Notes