Classic Poem

Ah whither art thou fled, companion dear?
To what sequester'd vale dost bend thy way?
Will the deep sigh, or Friendship's pearly tear,
Excite thy pity, or protract thy stay?

These artless lays imperfectly express
The tender bodings of an heart sincere;
But ill can paint the feelings of distress,
Or speak the anguish of awaken'd fear.

In search of Happiness, say, dost thou roam,
And distant realms in quest of Peace explore?
Alas my friend! she is but found at home,
Our mind's the mansions of her boundless store.

Or dost thou take a wild excursive flight,
On pleasure's airy wings extend thy way?
Delusive are her charms of false delight,
No longer then in her dominion stay.

Return to Reason's ever-blooming bow'rs,
And consecrate to God the hours of prime;
Exert thy faculties, and mental pow'rs,
Whose limits far exceed the bounds of Time.

With gentle Pity let thy mind o'erflow,
In universal love to human kind;
Thy bosom once inclin'd to melt, and glow,
Will feel the transports of an heart refin'd.

Contemn the dictates of malignant Pride,
Seek the great blessing of salubrious health;
Let restless care and vanity subside,
And shun the evils which attend on wealth.

Let emulous Ambition fire thy breast,
And filial duty be thy constant care;
May firm integrity remain thy guest,
To free thee from the pangs of fell despair.

Converted from the path which leads frail youth
Far from the precincts of thy holy way,
Alone be guided by the word of truth,
Which will conduct thee to the realms of Day.