Several Occasions.
209
Uselessly bright! 'twas thine the Soul to raise
To nobler Objects, such as Angels praise!
To live, to Mortals' empty Fame, a Foe;
And pity human Joy, and human Woe!
To view ev'n splendid Vice with gen'rous Hate,
In Life unblemish'd, and in Death sedate!
Then Conscience shining with a lenient Ray,
Dawn'd o'er thy Soul, and promis'd endless Day.
So from the setting Orb of Phœbus fly
Beams of calm Light, and glitter to the Sky.
To nobler Objects, such as Angels praise!
To live, to Mortals' empty Fame, a Foe;
And pity human Joy, and human Woe!
To view ev'n splendid Vice with gen'rous Hate,
In Life unblemish'd, and in Death sedate!
Then Conscience shining with a lenient Ray,
Dawn'd o'er thy Soul, and promis'd endless Day.
So from the setting Orb of Phœbus fly
Beams of calm Light, and glitter to the Sky.
Where now, O! where shall I true Friendship find
Among the treach'rous Race of base Mankind?
Whom, whom consult in all th' uncertain Ways
Of various Life, sincere to Blame, or Praise?
O! Friend! O! falling in thy Strength of Years,
Warm from the melting Soul receive these Tears!
Among the treach'rous Race of base Mankind?
Whom, whom consult in all th' uncertain Ways
Of various Life, sincere to Blame, or Praise?
O! Friend! O! falling in thy Strength of Years,
Warm from the melting Soul receive these Tears!
O!
