quote · Legacy record
Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul, Is the best gift of heaven: a happiness That e’en above the smiles and frowns of fate Exalts great nature’s favourites; a wealth That ne’er encumbers, nor can be transferred. Riches are oft by guilt and baseness earned, Or dealt by chance to shield a lucky knave; Or throw a cruel sunshine on a fool. But for one end, one much neglected use, Are riches worth your care: for nature’s wants Are few, and without opulence supplied. This noble end is to produce the soul; To show the virtues in their fairest light; To make humanity the minister Of bounteous Providence; and lend the breast That generous luxury the Gods enjoy.
Virtue, the strength and beauty of the soul, Is the best gift of heaven: a happiness That e’en above the smiles and frowns of fate Exalts great nature’s favourites; a wealth That ne’er encumbers, nor can be transferred. Riches are oft by guilt and baseness earned, Or dealt by chance to shield a lucky knave; Or throw a cruel sunshine on a fool. But for one end, one much neglected use, Are riches worth your care: for nature’s wants Are few, and without opulence supplied. This noble end is to produce the soul; To show the virtues in their fairest light; To make humanity the minister Of bounteous Providence; and lend the breast That generous luxury the Gods enjoy.
In print by 1888 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Meaning not yet available
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Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Dr. Armstrong (identity unresolved)
Attribution: unknown - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1888 AD · industrial
In print by 1888: recorded in A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 645 · printed citation: Dr. Armstrong · subject: VIRTUE
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.