When Athens was for Arts and Arms renown’d,
Olympic Wreaths uncommon Merit crown’d.
These slight Distinctions from the Learn’d and Wise,
Convey’d eternal Honour with the Prize:
‘Twas this, the gen’rous Love of Fame inspir’d,
And Grecian Breasts with noblest Ardor fir’d.
For like Rewards like Judges we implore:
Immortal Fame, with Grecian Arts, restore:
Our growing Merit with Indulgence view;
And sure you’ll favour what distinguish’d you.
Leave Ignorance and Sloth to Scorn and Shame;
But crown the Worthy with immortal Fame;
And Fame, conferr’d by you, can never fail:
What Men have purchas’d, they of Right entail.
(Mary Barber)
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Based on Topics: Art Poems, Wisdom & Knowledge Poems, Education Poems, Fame Poems, Immortality Poems, Learning PoemsBased on Keywords: entail, conferr, purchas, olympic