1. None sought exalted rank or haughty pride
Save every overweening tyrant vile

2. And though the souls may reach the heights sublime
No relish finds their reaching this high style

3. When the wished goal of height and honour won
He turns away, his zeal grown cold the while,

4. Like a palace fallen to decay whose walls
When builded, seem unto their end erewhile.

5. I've seen the kings of my time and I say
Let none to kingship or rule aspire!