PRESENT REWARD OF THE WISE.

“To be forever scorned for virtuous deeds,

To be condemned when most his thoughts are pure,

To be the victim doomed to toil and bleed,

And still the world’s ingratitude endure;

This is the glorious meed, the high reward,

That greets the patriot or prophetic bard.

“To be the sport of paltry gnat-like things,

Too small to call forth but the wise man’s scorn,

Though with their many poison-bearing stings

Swarming around, they cause him deep-felt harm.

To be pursued by tyranny’s fell hate,

Wronged and oppressed; this is the sage’s fate.

“Vainly we seek around for his reward;

Who hoards a treasure that a world shall win:

But be he patriot, statesman, sage, or bard,

His nobler guerdon must he find within.”

Elihu Burritt.