If so---at present though thy hand

May glory of itself command,

Nor can the muse’s laurels now,

Though wove with nicer skill than mine,

Help to adorn it, while they twine

Round thy already loaden brow---

Yes---if my presage is not vain---

330 Yes---if this verse hereafter should remain---

(Though now indeed as needless quite

As at noon’s blaze the taper’s light)

It may then serve to aggrandize thy name,

And add some splendor to thy future fame.