Charles Churchill

Men the most infamous are fond of fame,
And those who fear not guilt, yet start at shame.

Men the most infamous are fond of fame,
And those who fear not guilt, yet start at shame.

Greatly his foes he dreads, but more his friends,
He hurts me most who lavishly commends.

Greatly his foes he dreads, but more his friends,
He hurts me most who lavishly commends.

Why should we fear; and what? The laws?
They all are armed in virtue's cause;
And aiming read more

Why should we fear; and what? The laws?
They all are armed in virtue's cause;
And aiming at the self-same end,
Satire is always virtue's friend.

Who, to patch up his fame--or fill his purse--
Still pilfers wretched plans, and makes them worse;
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Who, to patch up his fame--or fill his purse--
Still pilfers wretched plans, and makes them worse;
Like gypsies, lest the stolen brat be known,
Defacing first, then claiming for his own.

Appearances to save, his only care;
So things seem right, no matter what they are.

Appearances to save, his only care;
So things seem right, no matter what they are.