Classic Poem

LVI.

T HEN first he asks his gloomy soul the C AUSE
Of his discomfort; suddenly compares —
Reflects — and with an angry Spirit draws
The envious line between his lot and theirs,
Questioning the Justice of the unequal shares.
And from the gathering of this discontent,
Where there is strength, R EVOLT his standard rears;
Where there is weakness, evermore finds vent
The sharp annoying cry of sorrowful complaint.

LVII.

Therefore should Mercy, gentle and serene.
Sit by the Ruler's side, and share his Throne: —
Watch with unerring eye the passing scene,
And bend her ear to mark the feeblest groan;
Lest due Authority be overthrown,
And they that ruled perceive (too late confest!)
Permitted Power might still have been their own,
Had they but watched that none should be opprest —
No just complaint despised — no W RONG left unredrest.

LVIII.

Nor should we, Christians in a Christian land,
Forget who smiled on helpless infancy,
And blest them with divinely gentle hand. —
" Suffer that little children come to me: "
Such were His words to whom we bow the knee!
These to our care the Saviour did commend;
And shall we H IS bequest treat carelessly,
Who yet our full protection would extend
To the lone Orphan child left by an Earthly Friend?

LIX.

No! rather what the Inspired Law imparts
To guide our ways, and make our path more sure;
Blending with Pity (native to our hearts),
Let us to these, who patiently endure
Neglect, and penury, and toil, secure
The innocent hopes that to their age belong:
So, honouring Him, the Merciful and Pure,
Who watches when the Oppressor's arm grows strong, —
And helpeth them to right — the Weak — who suffer wrong!