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In nature constant, changing still in name 



In purpose various, in deceit the same, 



All men thy victims, yet thy firm allies 



Thy deeds disclaim, and yet thy friendship prize. 



Enduring Goddess of a fickle age ! 



The adult World s ignoble heritage ! 



More strong than Truth, than Virtue more pursued, 



Thy pride to cheat, thy mission to delude 



Yet, as by sinner, so by saint implored, 



By sage enlisted, and by fool adored 



Mankind thy slaves, yet all the world thy shrine, 



Thy works infernal, but thy rites divine. ! 



Thy shield of brass hides Truth s indignant face, 



And flashes Error on a blear-eyed race, 



Thy blatant voice drowns Merit s feeble cry 



Upholding falsehood to the blushing sky, 



With shameless bluster and with bold acclaim 



Announcing wide its own asserted fame. 



Lo ! at thy feet where Worth and Honor lie 



Faith, Virtue, Love, and gentle Purity ; 



Each honest purpose, every generous aim, 



Disheartened, sinks before thy potent name. 



E en Nature, taught by thee to play a part, 



Yields herself muzzled to thy minion, Art ; 



And like some beast, by Mountebank displayed 



