Book 2 — ODE V.
Reading edition
ON LOVE OF PRAISE.
1 Of all the springs within the mind Which prompt her steps in fortune's maze, From none more pleasing aid we find Than from the genuine love of praise.
2 Nor any partial, private end Such reverence to the public bears; Nor any passion, virtue's friend, So like to virtue's self appears.
3 For who in glory can delight Without delight in glorious deeds? What man a charming voice can slight, Who courts the echo that succeeds?
4 But not the echo on the voice More than on virtue praise depends; To which, of course, its real price The judgment of the praiser lends.
5 If praise, then, with religious awe From the sole perfect judge be sought, A nobler aim, a purer law, Nor priest, nor bard, nor sage hath taught.
6 With which in character the same, Though in an humbler sphere it lies, I count that soul of human fame, The suffrage of the good and wise.