Observations on a Late "Epitaph" - 6
And shall a Reptile, who was introduced and raised up by this very Gentleman to the Ear of Men in Power; shall he like a Toad, by the pestilential Fumes of his virulent Slabber, blast the Flame of a PATRIOT? Is the Reputation of the chastest Matron, or the most spotless Virgin, secure from the malevolence of such on execrable Scribler?
If the love of Praise, and a fair Character, (next to the Testimony of a good Conscience) be that which many of the wisest and best of Men propose as the great Reward of the most public-spirited Actions: How cursed must the Man be, who thro’ the Depravity of his Heart, would wantonly deprive another of that on which he sets so high a Value?
“He who steals my Purse, steals Trash;
‘Twas mine ‘tis his, and has been Slave to Thousands;
But he who filches from me my good Name,
Robs me of that, which not inriches him,
And makes me poor indeed.”
