Classic Poem

Can I look back, and view with tranquil eye
The course of my sad life? what vain desires
Have kindled in my heart consuming fires!
That heart accustomed each extreme to try
Of hope and chilling fear What torturing dreams
Have vexed my soul with phantoms of despair,
Which wearied now regrets its wasted care!
Repentant shame its former anguish deems
Unworthy of that sacred spark of life
From heaven received! Exhausted in the strife
To thee Oh God! my sinking soul would turn,
To thee devote the remnant of my years;
Oh thou! who seest my sorrows, calm my fears,
Nor let thy wrath against thy creature burn!