Poetry: What Is It To Live?

To live, what is it, but to give Our influencc to a rightcous cause? To blcss the world, and thus receive The heakt's afieclions - not applause? To die - 'twere botter far than spend Our time in acts to curse mankind - Unjiist, oppressive laws defend. And crush the freedom of the mind. To live is but an empty name - Our livesablot to truth and right- When vicious men our deeds proclaim, And justice weeps at virtue's flight. Immortal man! - vvhoe'er thou art Remember life to thee is givon, To elévale - not sink the heart - And bid it upward soar to heaven,