Batrachomuomachia: or, the Battle of the Frogs and Mice/Man that is born of a Woman, &c.

by Henry Price

 

Man that is born of a Woman, &c.

I.
How short, how narrow is the Span!
How few the Years allow'd to Man!
And ev'n in those few Years he feels,
And groans beneath a thousand Ills.

II
As springs the Flow'r in some gay Mead,
Then sudden hangs its drooping Head:
So does our boasted Strength decay,
And like the Shadow fly away:

III.
For ev'ry Moment that we breathe,
'Tis hastning to the Gates of Death;
And who can needful Help afford
In that sad Hour, but thou, O Lord?

IV.
Conscious of Guilt to thee we cry,
And raise the Hand, and lift the Eye;
Yet sure our Sins may justly move
Thine Anger rather than thy Love.

V.
But, O most holy! most ador'd!
Superior King! Almighty Lord!
Have Mercy when we yield our Breath,
Nor doom us to eternal Death.

VI.
The Secrets of our Hearts are known
To thee, O God! and thee alone:
Be gracious then, and let us find
Thee ever Good, and ever Kind.

 

FINIS.