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Poem
October 3, 1794
Gazette Of The United States And Daily Evening Advertiser
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
The poem explores how various individuals pursue fame through different paths: the soldier via heroism, the miser via hoarding wealth for posthumous charity, and the moralist via teachings. The poet claims a similar aim in blending instruction with amusement to promote virtue.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
Written by Mrs. Rowson.
WHILST by mortals various schemes pursue,
All have some fav'rite object till in view;
Thro' different roads each seeks the phantom Fame!
The means diversified—the end the same.
Thro' ranks of hostile foes the Soldier flies,
Heroic ardour flashing from his eyes,
Braves every danger; nay, exulting bleeds,
That future story may record his deeds!
The Miser's niggard soul, confin'd to self,
Who wades thro' infamy and dirt for pelf:
Deaf to the orphan's cry, the widow's plaint,
(In hopes hereafter to be thought a saint)
By pompous will bequeaths the ill got store
To build a church—or alms house for the poor!
The rigid Moralist, with pen sublime,
Preaching in solemn prose—or turgid rhyme,
Expects, while teaching others how to die,
His name shall soar to immortality.
Since to this fav'rite end all urge their pow'rs,
Why should we blush to own—this aim is ours?
And while each night we try, with mimic art,
To banish care, wake joy, amend the heart,
Instruction with amusement, sweetly blend,
And make gay Pleasure, modest Virtue's friend,
Hope, cheering Hope, foretells in such a cause,
You, who inspire th' attempt—will smile applause.
WHILST by mortals various schemes pursue,
All have some fav'rite object till in view;
Thro' different roads each seeks the phantom Fame!
The means diversified—the end the same.
Thro' ranks of hostile foes the Soldier flies,
Heroic ardour flashing from his eyes,
Braves every danger; nay, exulting bleeds,
That future story may record his deeds!
The Miser's niggard soul, confin'd to self,
Who wades thro' infamy and dirt for pelf:
Deaf to the orphan's cry, the widow's plaint,
(In hopes hereafter to be thought a saint)
By pompous will bequeaths the ill got store
To build a church—or alms house for the poor!
The rigid Moralist, with pen sublime,
Preaching in solemn prose—or turgid rhyme,
Expects, while teaching others how to die,
His name shall soar to immortality.
Since to this fav'rite end all urge their pow'rs,
Why should we blush to own—this aim is ours?
And while each night we try, with mimic art,
To banish care, wake joy, amend the heart,
Instruction with amusement, sweetly blend,
And make gay Pleasure, modest Virtue's friend,
Hope, cheering Hope, foretells in such a cause,
You, who inspire th' attempt—will smile applause.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Satire Society
What keywords are associated?
Pursuit Of Fame
Soldier Heroism
Miser Avarice
Moralist Hypocrisy
Poetic Instruction
Virtue And Pleasure
What entities or persons were involved?
Mrs. Rowson
Poem Details
Author
Mrs. Rowson
Subject
Pursuit Of Fame
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
Whilst By Mortals Various Schemes Pursue,
All Have Some Fav'rite Object Till In View;
Thro' Different Roads Each Seeks The Phantom Fame!
The Means Diversified—The End The Same.
Hope, Cheering Hope, Foretells In Such A Cause,
You, Who Inspire Th' Attempt—Will Smile Applause.