On Seeing a Portrait of Sir Robert Walpole

Such were the lively eyes and rosy hue
Of Robin's face, when Robin first I knew.
The gay companion and the favourite guest,
Loved without awe, and without views caress'd.
His cheerful smile and open honest look
Added new graces to the truth he spoke.
Then every man found something to commend.
The pleasant neighbour, and the worthy friend:
The generous master of a private house.
The tender father, and indulgent spouse.

The hardest censors at the worst believed,
His temper was too easily deceived
(A consequential ill goodnature draws,
A bad effect, but from a noble cause).
Whence then these clamours of a judging crowd,
"Suspicious, griping, insolent, and proud—
Rapacious, cruel, violent, and unjust;
False to his friend, and traitor to his trust."