First of the families of fame,
That Rome's imperial city grace,
From rural huts and hamlets came
The Fabian and Fabrician race;
With that firm judge that could contemn
And banish the proud diadem.
To Sabine fields she owes the vine,
Whose tendrils yet round Virtue's column twine;
Which braves Oppression's wintry breath,
And stands the icy touch of Death.
The leafless flock, that Fortune dooms
To wither, with returning spring
(While the glad flocks of Freedom sing)
Profuse of promis'd sweets, with double vigour blooms.