Fragment XII: Our commonwealth preserves its former frame

Our commonwealth preserves its former frame,
Our common people are no more the same :
They that in skins and hides were rudely dress’d,
Nor dreamt of law, nor sought to be redress’d
By rules of right, but in the days of old
Flock’d to the town, like cattle to the fold,
Are now the brave and wise; and we, the rest,
(Their betters nominally, once the best, )
Degenerate, debas’d, timid, and mean !
Who can endure to witness such a scene ?
Their easy courtesies, the ready smile,
Prompt to deride, to flatter, and beguile!
Their utter disregard of right or wrong,
Of truth or honour !—Out of such a throng
(For any difficulties, any need,
For any bold design or manly deed
Never imagine you can choose a just
Or steady friend, or faithful in his trust.
But change your habits! let them go their way!
Be condescending, affable, and gay !
Adopt. with every man the style and tone
Most courteous and congenial with his own ;
But in your secret counsels keep aloof
From feeble paltry souls ; that, at the proof
Of danger or distress, are sure to fail ;
For whose salvation nothing can avail.