quote · Legacy record

Here see, acquitted of all vain pretence, The reign of genuine charity commence. Though scorn repay her sympathetic tears, She still is kind and still she perseveres; The truth she loves a sightless world blaspheme, ’Tis childish dotage, a delirious dream; The danger they discern not, they deny; Laugh at their only remedy, and die. But still a soul thus touch’d can never cease, Whoever threatens war, to speak of peace. Pure in her aim, and in her temper mild, Her wisdom seems the weakness of a child: She makes excuses where she might condemn, Reviled by those that hate her, prays for them; Suspicion lurks not in her artless breast, The worst suggested, she believes the best; Not soon provoked, however stung and teazed, And if perhaps made angry, soon appeased, She rather waives than will dispute her right, And, injured, makes forgiveness her delight.

Here see, acquitted of all vain pretence, The reign of genuine charity commence. Though scorn repay her sympathetic tears, She still is kind and still she perseveres; The truth she loves a sightless world blaspheme, ’Tis childish dotage, a delirious dream; The danger they discern not, they deny; Laugh at their only remedy, and die. But still a soul thus touch’d can never cease, Whoever threatens war, to speak of peace. Pure in her aim, and in her temper mild, Her wisdom seems the weakness of a child: She makes excuses where she might condemn, Reviled by those that hate her, prays for them; Suspicion lurks not in her artless breast, The worst suggested, she believes the best; Not soon provoked, however stung and teazed, And if perhaps made angry, soon appeased, She rather waives than will dispute her right, And, injured, makes forgiveness her delight.

Approximate author period: c. 1765 AD · early modern