Classic Poem

THE PRISON .

O, welcome, Debtor! in these walls
Thy cares, and joys, and loves forego!
Approach, a brother Debtor calls,
And join the family of woe!

Did Fortune with her frowning brow
Thy late and early toils withstand?
Or Slander strike the fatal blow,
Or griping Usury's iron hand?

Say, does a wife, to want consign'd,
While weeping babes surround her bed,
Peep through, and see the fetters bind
Those hands, that earn'd their daily bread?

Does she in vain, on knees that bend,
The marble heart of Wealth implore?
Breathless pursue some flying friend,
Or beat in vain the closing door?

Look up, and share our scanty meal;
For us some brighter hours may flow,
Some angel break these bolts of steel,
For H OWARD marks and feels our woe.