Classic Poem

In ev'ry scene—at ev'ry stage—
In life's eventful way,
The storm of Discord still shall rage,
And clouds obscure the day.

In Youth's bright Garden, smooth and fair,
Still Sorrow shews its pow'r;
Love's canker-worm lies lurking there,
And spoils the blooming flow'r.

What pity! that its leaves shou'd strew
The cold unconscious plain!
And Heaven's own rich ambrosial dew
Shou'd bathe its sweets in vain!
Ev'n there, where festive Pleasure glows,
And decks her mossy seat,
Shall reptiles too invade repose,
And check the slumber sweet.

The sullen Bat of Slander flies,
When night its shade has cast;
And Envy's Caterpillars rise
The promised fruit to blast!

The Magpie, and the rav'nous Crow,
Will ev'ry fence subdue,
And while they kill a meaner foe
Oft prove they're traitors too!

And oft a killing, killing frost,
Shall Disappointment send;
When all is blighted—all is lost,
Till Wisdom finds a friend.

—Fair Industry! 'tis now thy part
The culture to supply;
Kind Heav'n itself will crown thy art,
And send a softer sky.

The storm shall crush each caitiff foe,
Which mocks thy wise endeavour,
And flow'rs of Paradise shall blow
Beyond their reach for ever!