Not Once, But Often

Not once, but often, Truth has been rewarded With fiercest hatred, foulest calumny, While Vice has reigned supreme, by men belauded, And punished all who would not bow the knee ; — Not once, but often, Truth with instant crying Has called for champions till her champions came, And then has giv'n them nought but tears and sighing, A life of sorrow and a death of shame ; — Oft, having called on hero-souls to save her. She seemed to grant them nothing but a frown ; Yet these have known her secret smile of favour, A nobler guerdon than a kingly crown.