XII: Vain Hope

If ever I turn back to view the crowd,

let only those my friends my gazes see.

Or those who wish that kindness be allowed

in all this point and mutter and debris.

I'll not be partisan to such a mess,

that argues o'er and o'er without a smile.

Let never one be prone to such duress

if in another's shoes he's tread no mile.

For what's a progress made if not a frie…