1. Though praise be great, yet in the great man's eye
'Tis poor and scant, e'en at its utmost height.

2. When I essay to sing thy praises, I
See that beside thy worth my words are slight.

3. If little of thy merit I rehearse,
My excuse is that I fear to do thee wrong.

4. Scant though my praise, yet ne'er shall cease my verse,
Nor shall "All hail!" to thee be lacking long.