Classic Poem

When Fate in ruthless rage assail'd my breast,
—And Heaven relentless seal'd the harsh decree;
Hope, placid soother of the mind distress'd;
—To calm my rending sorrows—gave me thee.

In all the charms of innocence array'd,
—'Tis thine to sprinkle patience on my woes;
—As from thy voice celestial comfort flows,
Glancing bright lustre o'er each dreary shade.

Still may thy growing Reason's light divine,
—Illume with joy my melancholy bow'rs;
Still may the beams of sacred Virtue shine,
—To deck thy spring of youth with thornless flow'rs;
So shall their splendid attributes combine,
—To shed soft sunshine on my wintry hours.

When Fate in ruthless rage assail'd my breast,
—And Heaven relentless seal'd the harsh decree;
Hope, placid soother of the mind distress'd;
—To calm my rending sorrows—gave me thee.

In all the charms of innocence array'd,
—'Tis thine to sprinkle patience on my woes;
—As from thy voice celestial comfort flows,
Glancing bright lustre o'er each dreary shade.

Still may thy growing Reason's light divine,
—Illume with joy my melancholy bow'rs;
Still may the beams of sacred Virtue shine,
—To deck thy spring of youth with thornless flow'rs;
So shall their splendid attributes combine,
—To shed soft sunshine on my wintry hours.