Classic Poem

Oh sacrifice no more thy peace, thy joys
To the ungrateful world! it but insults
Thy wasted anguish, and thy votive cares
When served with faithful, unremitting toil
It slights, and once provoked, approves no more;
While virtue, ever graciously is prompt
To pay the smallest offering with a smile.
By present compensation, future peace,
She still rewards each sacrifice; and joys
With sweet parental fondness to accept
Repentance, as atonement absolute.