Note 16 — Last Words of Distinguished Men and Women. (continued 2)

The man whose mind, on virtue bent, Pursues some greatly good intent, With undiverted aim, Serene beholds the angry crowd; Nor can their clamors, fierce and loud, His stubborn honor tame. Not the proud tyrant's fiercest threat, Nor storms, that from their dark retreat The lawless surges wake; Not Jove's dread bolt, that shakes the pole, The firmer purpose of his soul With all its power can shake. Should nature's frame in ruins fall, And chaos o'er the sinking ball Resume the primeval sway, His courage chance and fate defies, Nor feels the wreck of earth and skies Obstruct its destined way. Translated by Blacklocke.