Classic Poem

I.

Fond hopes deferred — affection blighted —
True hearts by fortune disunited —
The worthless prized — the faithful slighted —
Look round and thou shalt see!
Giant Oppression overpowering —
Dejection's cloud for ever lowering —
Fortune her fairest favours showering
On fools — and shunning thee!

II.

Truth wholly spurned — mean falsehood trusted —
Joy crushing all for which it lusted —
And Honour's brightest falchion rusted —
Look round and thou shalt see!
Then, turning from Earth's wild confusion,
Seek some untrodden safe seclusion,
Sacred from heartless cold intrusion —
This world's no world for thee!