Classic Poem

Here have I been these one and twenty years
Since first to Being's breeze my Sail unfurled,
A mariner upon the wavy world
Half idling, half in toil:—'mid empty fears
And emptier hopes, light mirth and fleeting tears
Tacking and tossed forever yet in vain
Timidly now retiring, now again
Carelessly, idly mingling with my peers.
Here having done meanwhile as little good
And as much Evil to myself and other
As misused strength and guideless frailty could,
Here am I friendless and without a brother,
With faculties developed to no end,
Heart emptied, and faint purpose to amend.