What is Noble?

Freedom and the Rights of Man.

What is noble? That which places
Truth in its enfranchised will!
Leaving steps – like angel traces -
            That mankind may follow still!
E’en though scorn’s malignant glances
Proves him poorest of the clain,
He’s the Noble – who advances
            Freedom and the Rights of Man!

from the Poem “What is Noble”
Charles Swain (1801-1874)