The Reciter/The orphan boy
———
THE ORPHAN BOY.
Stay, Lady-stay, for mercy's sake,
And hear a helpless Orphan's tale;
Ah! sure my looks must pity wake,
'Tis want that makes my cheeks so pale.
Yet I was once a mother's pride,
And my brave father's hope and joy:
But in the Nile's proud fight he died,
And I am now an Orphan Boy!
Poor foolish child---how pleas'd was I
When news of Nelson's victory came;
Along the crouded streets to fly,
To see the lighted windows flame!
To force me home my mother sought,
She could not bear to see my joy :
For with my father's life 'twas bought,
And made me a poor Orphan Boy !
The people's shouts were long and loud,
My mother shudd'ring, clos'd her ears;
Rejoice! rejoice! still cry'd the croud,
My mother answer'd with her tears!
Why are you crying thus, said I,
While others laugh and shout with joy
She kiss'd me, and with such a sigh,
She call'd me her poor Orphan Boy!
What is an Orphan Boy? I cry'd,
As in her face I look'd and smil'd,
My mother through her tears reply'd,
'You'll know to soon, ill-fated child.'
And now they've toll'd my mother's knell,
And I'm no more a parent's joy:
Ah! Lady, I have known too well
What 'tis to be an Orphan Boy!
Oh! were I by your bounty fed,
Nay, gentle lady, do not chide;
Trust me-I mean to earn my bread,
The Sailor's Orphan Boy has pride
Lady! you weep--ah! this to me:
You'll give me clothing, food, employ;
Look down, dear parents! look and see
Your happy---happy Orphan Boy!