OF TEMPER.
131
With smiles they bore, from angry spleen exempt,
Injurious mockery, and coarse contempt:
'Twas theirs to clasp, each selfish care above,
A sister's orphans with parental love,
And all her tender offices supply,
Tho' bound not by the strong maternal tie:
'Twas theirs to bid intestine quarrels cease,
And form the cement of domestic peace.
No throbbing joy their spotless bosom fir'd,
Save what Benevolence herself inspir'd;
No praise they sought, except that praise refin'd,
Which the heart whispers to the worthy mind.
Such are these gentle tribes, the happy few
Who share the triumph to their victory due:
Angelic aims their spotless minds employ,
And fill their measure of unchequer'd joy.
Behold! where some with generous ardor wait
Around yon seer, who holds the book of fate;
Those awful leaves with eager glance they turn,
Thence with celestial zeal they fondly learn
Injurious mockery, and coarse contempt:
'Twas theirs to clasp, each selfish care above,
A sister's orphans with parental love,
And all her tender offices supply,
Tho' bound not by the strong maternal tie:
'Twas theirs to bid intestine quarrels cease,
And form the cement of domestic peace.
No throbbing joy their spotless bosom fir'd,
Save what Benevolence herself inspir'd;
No praise they sought, except that praise refin'd,
Which the heart whispers to the worthy mind.
Such are these gentle tribes, the happy few
Who share the triumph to their victory due:
Angelic aims their spotless minds employ,
And fill their measure of unchequer'd joy.
Behold! where some with generous ardor wait
Around yon seer, who holds the book of fate;
Those awful leaves with eager glance they turn,
Thence with celestial zeal they fondly learn
