Contents -Volume INDEX -AUTHOR INDEX -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Stedman and Hutchinson, comps. A Library of American Literature:
An Anthology in Eleven Volumes. 1891.
Vols. IX–XI: Literature of the Republic, Part IV., 1861–1889

The Patriot

By Thomas Godfrey (1736–1763)

BLEST is the man who never lent

To bold designing men his ear,

Who, on his Country’s good intent,

From bribing offices is clear;

But ever constant will remain,

Supporter of her lawful right;—

Will firm her liberty maintain

Against oppressors day and night.

Like a fair tree he shall appear,

Which, planted by some river’s side,

Its fruit does in due season bear,

And blooms in vernal nature’s pride.

Thus shall it flourish, thus shall rise;

Its verdant leaf shall never fade;

Its beauties still shall glad our eyes,

And pleasure dwell beneath its shade.

But men of dark, base treachery,

Like chaff before the active wind,

By giddy factions tossed shall be,

Till left the scorn of all mankind.

Where justice reigns they shun the place,

Or where the open way doth shine,

Or where bright truth our Senates grace;

But, veiled by night, they then design.

To all, the virtuous Patriot, known,

Shall ever live in endless fame,

Whilst they (their deep laid schemes o’erthrown)

Shall die, and with them die their name.