Think you I have not skill to gather gold, 
 If I could love it as some others do? 
Or that I lack the spirit of a bold 
 And resolute man in any cause that?s true, 
 Because I scorn to juggle with yon crew 
Of politics schemers? Let the truth be told: 
Whatever I can value, I can mould 
 Right deftly to my ends, and boldly too. 
?But fame he sought not through a gainful hand? 
 (This of my being let future tell), 
?Nor through the arts of popular command; 
 But in retirement, where the muses dwell, 
 That his life?s legacy might be?a well 
Pierian, in a wide and thirsty land. ?