While my young cheek retains its healthful hues, And I have many friends who hold me dear, Linley! methinks, I would not often hear Such melodies as thine, lest I should lose All memory of the wrongs and sore distress For which my miserable brethren weep! But should uncomforted misfortunes steep My daily bread in tears and bitterness; And if at Death's dread moment I should lie With no beloved face at my bed-side, To fix the last glance of my closing eye, Methinks such strains, breathed by my angel-guide, Would make me pass the cup of anguish by, Mix with the blest, nor know that I had died! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON THE WAY (PHILADELPHIA, 1794) by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON TO ROSAMONDE: A BALADE by GEOFFREY CHAUCER FABLE: THE MOUNTAIN AND THE SQUIRREL by RALPH WALDO EMERSON FEBRUARY IN ROME by EDMUND WILLIAM GOSSE THE PESSIMIST by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN KING THE FEMALE CONVICT by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON RIDDLE: A BLACKSMITH by MOTHER GOOSE |