That I no longer skulk from street to street,
Afraid least Duns assail, and Bailiffs meet;
That I from place to place this carcase bear,
Walk forth at large, and wander free as air;
That I no longer dread the aukward friend,
Whose very obligations must offend,
Nor, all too froward, with impatience burn
At suff'ring favours which I can't return;
That, from dependance and from pride secure,
I am not plac'd so high to scorn the poor,
Nor yet so low, that I my Lord should fear,
Or hesitate to give him sneer for sneer;
That, whilst sage Prudence my pursuits confirms,
I can enjoy the world on equal terms;
That, kind to others, to myself most true,
Feeling no want, I comfort those who do,
And with the will have pow'r to aid distress;
These, and what other blessings I possess,
From the indulgence of the PUBLIC rise;
All private Patronage my Soul defies.
By Candour more inclin'd to save, than damn,
A gen'rous PUBLIC made me what I Am.
All that I have, They gave; just Mem'ry bears,
The grateful stamp, and what I am is Theirs.