A Gentleman
’Tis he whose every thought and deed
By rule of virtue moves;
Whose generous tongue disdains to speak
The thing his heart disproves.
Who never did a slander forge
His neighbor’s fame to wound;
Nor hearken to a false report
By malice whispered round.
Who vice in all its pomp and power
Can treat with just neglect;
And piety, though clothed in rags,
Religiously respect.
Who to his plighted word of truth
Has ever firmly stood;
And, though he promised to his loss,
Still makes his promise good.
Whose soul in usury disdains
His treasure to employ;
Whom no reward can ever bribe
The guiltless to destroy.
I hold it as a changeless law,
From which no soul can sway or swerve,
We have that in us which will draw
Whate’er we need or most deserve.
