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ACROSTIC

They're only great, whom no base motives rules,
Having no honor in the mout of fools:
Only to merit, and their country dear
Most kind to all, but to themselves severe
And careful to improve the talents lent
Suffering in quiet with all their lot content.
Be this my lot if I must fill a place
Revolving through the world of wickeness,
Except I thus may spend my time in fine,
Vain it will be, to truace, another line;
All this I beg, and may my life be seen
Right good; sans pride, tho' humble yet not mean
Danger not fearing and death serene.-

Burk Co., N.C. 1797 by T.B.
Transcribed by J.J.B. 1857