There is a cunning scheme, to put on surface bluntness, And cover still deep water, with the clamorous ripples of a shallow. For a man, to gain his selfish ends, will make a stalking-horse of honesty; And hide his poaching limbs behind, that he may cheat the quicker. Such an one is loud and ostentatious, full of oaths for argument, Boastful of honour and sincerity, and not to be put down by facts: He is obstinate, and sheweth it for firmness; he is rude, displaying it for truth; And glorieth in doggedness of temper, as if it were uncompromising justice. Be aware of such a man; his brawling covereth designs; This specious show of honesty cometh as the herald of a thief: His feint is made with awkward clashing on the buckler's boss, But meanwhile doth his secret skill ensure its fatal aim. This is the hypocrite of honesty; ye may know him by an overacted part; Taking pains to turn and twist, where other men walk straight; Or walking straight, he will not step aside to let another pass, But roughly pusheth on, provoking opposition on the way; He is full of disquietude for calmness, full of intriguing for simplicity, Valorous with those who cannot fight, and humble to the brave: Where brotherly advice were good, this man rudely blameth, And on some small occasion, flattereth with coarse praise. The craven in a lion's skin hath conquered by his character for courage; Sheep's clothing helped the wolf, till he slew by his character for kindness. For honesty hath many gains, and well the wise have known This will prosper to the end, and fill their house with gold. The phosphorus of cheatery will fade, and all its profits perish, While honesty with growing light endureth as the moon. Yea, it would be wise in a world of thieves, where cheating were a virtue, To dare the vice of honesty, if any would be rich. For that which by the laws of God is heightened into duty, Ever, in the practice of a man, will be seen both policy and privilege. Thank God, ye toilers for your bread, in that, daily labouring, He hath suffered the bubbles of self-interest to float upon the stream of duty: For honesty, of every kind, approved by God and man, Of wealth and better weal is found the richest cornucopia. Tempered by humbleness and charity, honesty of speech hath honour; And mingled well with prudence, honesty of purpose hath its praise: Trust payeth homage unto truth, rewarding honesty of action: And all men love to lean on him, who never failed nor fainted. Freedom gloweth in his eyes, and Nobleness of nature at his heart, And Independence took a crown and fixed it on his head: So, he stood in his integrity, just and firm of purpose, Aiding many, fearing none, a spectacle to angels, and to men: Yea,--when the shattered globe shall rock in the throes of dissolution, Still, will he stand in his integrity, sublime--an honest man. OF SOCIETY. [Illustration: "B"]