Acrostic.

48

Here's the Statesman, always ready,
Ever constant, ever true,
Not rash, but ardent, firm, and steady,
Resolved to bear his country through,
Yielding the meed to others due.

Calmly he views the streams of faction,
Looks through their workings, eagle-eyed,
A noble mark for base detraction,
Yet turning all its darts aside.