Epistle to James Craggs, Esq; Secretary of State
A soul as full of Worth, as void of Pride,
Which nothing seeks to show, or needs to hide,
Which nor to Guilt, nor Fear its Caution owes,
And boasts a Warmth that from no Passion flows;
A Face untaught to feign! a judging Eye,
That darts severe upon a rising Lye,
And strikes a blush thro frontless Flattery.
All this thou wert; and being this before,
Know, Kings and Fortune cannot make thee more.
Then scorn to gain a Friend by servile ways,
Nor wish to lose a Foe these Virtues raise;
But candid, free, sincere, as you began,
proceed -- a Minister, but still a Man;
Be not (exalted to whate'er degree)
Asham'd of any Friend, not ev'n of Me.
The Patriot's plain, but untrod path pursue;
If not, 'tis I must be ashamed of You.
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