Which of thy names I take, not only bears A Roman sound, but Roman virtue wears, Illustrious Vere, or Horace; fit to be Sung by a Horace, or a muse as free; Which thou art to thyself: whose fame was won In the eye of Europe, where thy deeds were done, When on thy trumpet she did sound a blast, Whose relish to eternity shall last. I leave thy acts, which should I prosecute Throughout, might flattery seem; and to be mute To any one, were envy: which would live Against my grave, and time could not forgive. I speak thy other graces, not less shown, Nor less in practice; but less marked, less known: Humanity, and piety, which are As noble in great chiefs, as they are rare. And best become the valiant man to wear, Who more should seek men's reverence, than fear. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...YOUTH AND ART by ROBERT BROWNING DOROTHY IN THE GARRET by JOHN TOWNSEND TROWBRIDGE ELEGIAC STANZAS SUGGESTED BY A PICTURE OF PEELE CASTLE, IN A STORM by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH THE RELAPSE by JOSEPH BEAUMONT DIRGE AND HYMENAL by THOMAS LOVELL BEDDOES |