True valor, on virtue founded strong, meets all events alike.
A sovereign's great example forms a people; the public breast is noble or vile as he inspires it.
The wailing owl screams solitary to the mournful moon.
What proves the hero truly great,Is never, never to despair.
I courted fame but as a spur to brave and honest deeds; who despises fame will soon renounce the virtues that deserve it.
O grant me, Heaven, a middle state, Neither too humble nor too great; More than enough, for nature's ends, With something left to treat my friends.