Soon as superior worth appears in view,
See knaves, and fools united to pursue!
The man so form'd they all conspire to blame,
And Envy's pois'nous tooth attacks his fame;
Shou'd he at length, so truly good and great,
Prevail, and rule with honest views the state,
Then must he toil for an ungrateful race,
Submit to clamor, libels, and disgrace;
Threaten'd, oppos'd, defeated in his ends,
By foes seditious, and aspiring friends.
Hear this and tremble! all who wou'd be great,
Yet know not what attends that dang'rous wretched state.