Let Others speak your Titles, and your Blood; <br />Accept from Me the glorious Name of Good. <br />This Honour only from fair Virtue springs, <br />Ennobles Slaves, adds Dignity to Kings. <br /> <br />O Born to shew Nobility design'd <br />Not to insult, but to protect Mankind! <br />Well you discern to spare, or to bestow; <br />Nor waste in Riot, what to Worth you owe. <br />Judgment your Bounty guides; and all agree, <br />'Tis Praise, 'tis Glory, to receive from Thee. <br />Gen'rous thy Gifts; but more thy matchless Art, <br />To spare the Blush, and doubly bind the Heart. <br /> <br />Tho' Fortune place me in a distant Scene; <br />And Mountains rise, and Oceans roll between; <br />O'er Mountains, Oceans, Gratitude conveys <br />The good Man's Act, and wide extends his Praise. <br />Strange! that your Judgment errs in this alone; <br />Barber you bless, yet hope your Gifts unknown. <br />'Tis Hers to bring each lovely Deed to Light, <br />And force unwilling Virtue to the Sight: <br />'Tis Hers, and 'tis Her Muse's greatest Pride, <br />A Favour never to forget, or hide. <br /> <br />Illustrious Youth! and let me style you Friend, <br />O look with Candor on the Lines I send! <br />Warm from the Heart my artless Numbers fall; <br />Nor wait Correctness, when your Virtues call. <br />Here, bless'd with all that human Life requires, <br />Superior to vain Fears, or low Desires; <br />In chearful Solitude, in studious Ease; <br />Careful my Conscience, and my God, to please; <br />I think on Thee, when Want, or Worth, implore; <br />And unrepining share my little Store. <br />So Stars attend the beauteous Queen of Night; <br />And faintly shine, not emulate her Light.<br /><br />Mary Barber<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-the-right-honourable-the-earl-of-orrery-in-dublin/
