THE True Gentleman
'Tis he who every thought and deed
By rule of virtue moves,
"Whose generous tongue disdains to see
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 words and trust,
Has ever firmly stood,
And, though he promise to his loss,
Yet makes his promise good;
Whose soul, in usury, disdains
His treasure to employ,
Whom no rewards can ever bribe,
The guiltless to destroy.