Classic Poem

Well may my friend regrete the loss of sight,
Which darts sensation through the soul so clear,
And I, poor I, sink in oblivion quite,
Since sound's obstructed by m' unfolding ear .

Once in my Maker's Courts, yea in the porch,
I've heard discourses of my Saviour dear;
Tho' seated now contiguous in the church,
None of the heavenly news sound in my ear .

Quick I once heard the surly boatswain's calls,
When on the yard, mast, deck, or in the hold,
Or fighting the proud Dons , or haughty Gauls ,
Till I my hearing lost by chilling cold.

Now my sweet halcyon days they seem no more,
Since rancour and pale grief my joys molest;
No more I sport, as in the days of yore,
While woe and dire vexation storm my breast.

O heavens! assist me in the gloomy hour,
When happiness and rest is from me flown,
'Tis thou, the contrast of my peace can cure,
For " melancholy dooms me as her own. "

Tho' my sweet hearing near hath me forsook,
To dark despair I hope I'll not be driv'n,
Rejoic'd am I, when reading on my book,
The only comfort left me now by heaven.

To read gives pleasure to the giddy deaf ;
To hear, contentment to the stum'bling blind :
This Homer proves and Milton's sacred leas,
And Genius in a Reynolds ever shin'd.

Or if perchance I meet a feeling friend ,
Who with my hapless sate wish to condole,
Quick then my willing heart will condescend,
For conversation cheers my drooping soul.

Oft when I'm sad, I take my instrument,
Or time into my cloister would seem long.
Nought buoys me up like harmless merryment,
A sweet slow tune, or an expressive song.

Hearing's the key to commerce, and to trade,
Without it one appears quite stupified;
Then like the blind, I must have one to aid,
Their wants, and mine, alas! are near allied.

But why should I against high heaven repine,
Since God to mortals gives an equal load
Of grief, and share of happiness, divine,
That so we may adore him as our God.

Thus in th' Omnipotent I'll put my trust,
Thro' God the Son who our transgressions bore,
Hoping in time he'll rank me with the just,
When every eye shall see, and dulness reigns no more.