Classic Poem

Once from thy awful quiver ruthless death
A venom'd arrow pierc'd this bleeding heart
Which Coward like now shrinks at ev'ry breath
Of dire desease that mocks the healing art.
Oh spare my wounded mind the faithful prop
Which friendship gives to my declining years
Nor wring the dregs of sorrows bitter cup
To steep the evening of my life in tears.
Ah should his life in purple torrents flow
And from each sinking vein in haste recede
Should good cleander in the grave laid low
Make this drear world a wilderness indeed
Mournful and sad Id seek some silent shade
Where plaintive echo mocks the murmring rill
And weeping willows clos'd around my head
Should every ray of light and Joy expell
Of blasted friendship should my harp complain
Full often set to melancholly lays
And long immers'd in sorrows weeping train
No more should hope allure me with her rays
Cleora too thy barbed dart would rend
She and her helpless babes my pity claims
Without their guide their gaurdians and their friend
Left to the cruel worlds unfeeling aims. —
But what art thou grim tyrant but the means
Which the great arbiter of life employs
To purge our lapsed nature from its stains
And give it entrance to immortal Joys —
Father of light and life to thee my prayer
In heart felt anguish now ascends on high
Oh spare the friend the husband father spare
And with bright health once more illume his eye. —