There is a proud modesty in merit.
Kings fight for empires, madmen for applause.
Many things impossible to thought have been by need to full perfection brought.
These are the effects of doting age,--vain doubts and idle cares and over caution.
Youth, beauty, graceful action seldom fail: But common interest always will prevail; And pity never ceases to be shown To him who makes the people's wrongs his own.
Content with poverty, my soul I arm; And virtue, though in rags, will keep me warm.