Classic Poem

A Long and Lonely Walk

I Took a long, but rural Walk,
'Twas on a Summer's Day;
No Company on the Roads amus'd,
How lonely was the way!

So being in a pensive Mood,
I cast my Eyes around;
And there I saw the Plough had been,
For new broke was the Ground.

So then to seize the harmless Worms,
Was lighted Birds of Prey;
Are not these like those Libertines
That Innocence betray?

From underneath a Parent's Eye
Maids like these Worms appear;
Base Men are like those Birds of Prey,
That would their Minds ensnare.

The refuge is, for harmless Worms,
To disappear from fight:
Ye Virgins, the like Caution take,
When Sinners do invite.

Oh! do you fly from those base Men,
Great Vanity they'll raise;
And strive always to injure you,
Tho' they your Virtues praise,

But then my Walk I did pursue,
How pleasant and serene
The Field with plenty did abound,
The Hedges, cloath'd in Green.

The Corn for us does live and grow;
But hath no power to think,
No Hand to work, no Feet to walk,
Yet is refresh'd by drink.

The Clouds, great God, at thy Command
The thirsty Field supply;
Convey the Water of the deep
Upon the Wind they fly.

How wond'rous are thy Works, O God!
Creation's curious Plan,
Trace the uttermost bounds thereof,
No Mortal ever can.

But what new Wonder will appear,
When I immortal be;
The Restitution of all Things,
With Joy and Wonder see?

But then the Sun was going down,
How beautious is that Sky!
So may my Sun of Life go down,
My Saviour be thou nigh.

Oh! may I sweetly Smile in Death,
By Faith behold thy Face;
My Spirit to thy Hand commit,
And sing of Sov'reign Grace.

But then t'was getting dark apace,
My Walk was at an end;
Happy for me that here I found
So kind, so good a Friend!

Her Youthful Son came to me soon,
And call'd his Mother dear;
She did rejoice my Face to see, —
That Night I rested there.

So when my walk of Life is o'er,
My Saviour welcome me
Into the Mansions thou'st prepar'd,
Thy lovely face to see!English