Classic Poem

When strong calamity prevail'd,
And all my mirth was mute,
By pray'r the topmost heav'n I scal'd,
And Jesus heard my suit.

Shield me from lips with lies replete,
Or which their word revoke;
And from the language of the cheat
Expert his thoughts to cloak.

O tongue, deceitful and obscene,
What shall thy rage controul?
(Unless Christ's merits intervene)
Sharp darts and burning coal.

How long, ye faithless crooked race,
With you must I reside?
How long, said Christ, the prince of grace,
Must I your ways abide?

My soul her sorrows overcharge
Unto the last extreme,
For while I still on peace enlarge
They question and blaspheme.

I strive to work them up to peace
From horror and despair;
But at the word their bands increase,
And they their cross prepare.