Not once, but often, Truth has been rewarded
With fiercest hatred, foulest calumny,
While Vice has reigned supreme, by men belauded,
And punished all who would not bow the knee ; —

Not once, but often, Truth with instant crying
Has called for champions till her champions came,
And then has giv'n them nought but tears and sighing,
A life of sorrow and a death of shame ; —

Oft, having called on hero-souls to save her.
She seemed to grant them nothing but a frown ;
Yet these have known her secret smile of favour,
A nobler guerdon than a kingly crown.