Classic Poem

E SCAP'D the gloom of mortal life, a soul
Here leaves its mouldering tenement of clay,
Safe, where no Cares their whelming billows roll,
No Doubts bewilder, and no Hopes betray.

Like thee, I once have stemm'd the sea of life;
Like thee, have languish'd after empty joys';
Like thee, have labour'd in the stormy strife;
Been griev'd for trifles, and amus'd with toys.

Yet for a while 'gainst Passion's threatful blast
Let steady Reason urge the struggling oar;
Shot through the dreary gloom the morn at last
Gives to thy longing eye the blisful shore.

Forget my frailties, thou art also frail;
Forgive my lapses, for thyself mayst fall;
Nor read unmov'd my artless tender tale,
I was a friend, O man, to thee, to all.