When men of infamy to grandeur soar, They light a torch to show their shame the more.
Who gives an empire, by the gift defeats All end of giving; and procures contempt Instead of gratitude.
The melancholy ghosts of dead renown, Whispering faint echoes of the world's applause.
Man makes a death which Nature never made. And feels a thousand deaths in fearing one.
Death! great proprietor of all! 'tis thine To tread out empire, and to quench the stars.
Britannia's shame! There took her gloomy flight, On wing impetuous, a black sullen soul . Less base the fear of death than fear of life. O Britain! infamous for suicide.