Classic Poem

Oh thou! that cou'd the trembling wretch betray —
A wand'rer, from Distress, in Error's way!
A Wife's distress, and helpless Children's cry —
Induc'd by these a dang'rous path to try.
Thou! that cou'dst meditate thy hateful plan,
And in thy scheme forget thyself a man!
Cou'd see the tears of pure ingenuous shame,
Nor mark the gen'rous source from whence they came;
Deceive a heart, already much oppress'd —
Oh! 'twas a deed that Goodness must detest!
Justice herself the sacrifice abhors,
And hates that Treachery shou'd promote her cause;
Whilst all the Virtues weep around her throne,
And bloody Rigour marks thee for her own!

If e'er Misfortune bids thine eye o'erflow,
That eye which weeps not for another's woe!
If e'er it tempts thee, hopeless and forlorn,
To what prosperity may make thee scorn;
Say — canst thou hope that mercy to obtain,
Which once Affliction ask'd of thee in vain? —
False man! tho' Justice seems thy lov'd decree,
How wou'dst thou tremble shou'd it fall on thee!