Classic Poem

Though death and discord dwell around
And vengeance spreads its savage power,
A lovely place, they say, is found
Where resignation keeps her bower.

Though dark and gloomy seems the way
Each pois'nous snake from thence is driven,
'Tis chear'd with faith's triumphant ray—
'Tis cherish'd with the dews of Heaven!

'Tis said—at sullen day's decline,
Tho distant howlings reach the ear,
That sounds of harmony divine
Are sometimes heard delicious here!

And moonlight, o'er the lovely place
A beam so exquisite has thrown,
That midnight scarcely shews its face
And never is its horror known.

A tiger—oh, amazing sight!
At resignation's feet is laid—
Pale is her cheek, for many a night
The gentle nymph has watch'd and pray'd.

Her eyes of soft celestial blue
Shone with a majesty serene,
And dignity with meekness too
Adorned the graces of her mein.

On Heaven she turns her patient eyes,
Till Heaven's own light they seem t'acquire,
And shew, reflected from the skies,
A pure, sublime, seraphic fire!

Then downcast on the mould'ring earth
They turn their mild and placid light,
Where malice and insulting mirth
Shall never dim their sacred light.

Sweet resignation! on thy charms
The muse enraptur'd wou'd remain,
But misery and the world's alarms
Obscures thy beauteous form again!

I long to hear thy tuneful voice,
That voice which never shall betray—
Celestial truth! confirm my choice:
Come glorious faith and lead the way!