Classic Poem

AN ELEGY .

Soft Pleasure spreads her gay enticements forth;
But, sad Experience shews their want of worth.
Lives there a man, by sensual joys enchain'd,
That once liv'd innocent, by crimes unstain'd,
But feels remorse at some embitter'd hour,
And wishes to escape vile Pleasure's pow'r?
Alas! irresolute, his wav'ring heart
Would leave the bow'rs of Sin, but cannot part.
Custom, that spell, of fell resistless force,
Compels him to pursue his wonted course:
Voluptuous Beauty her soft charms displays,
And Music's am'rous airs his heart betrays;
Delicious wines, and sav'ry viands, please
His palate, as he lolls in thoughtless ease:
Thus flow his hours, in sordid worldly joys,
'Till Death's cold hand for ever scals his eyes.