Classic Poem

O THOU , upon whose cheek the rose
Of stainless purity still glows;
Upon whose lip still dwells the smile
Of innocence, that knows no guile:
Whose uncontaminated youth
Still listens to the voice of truth:
Who still canst boast thy early prime,
Unsullied by the taint of crime;
Thy foot life's threshold is upon,
O pause, ere yet thy hopes be gone!
For lo! upon thy dangerous way,
The passions wait to seize their prey;
Ambition calls thee to the strife,
Where man, against his brother's life
Wields the bright sword, and points the spear,
Exulting in the orphan's tear;
And Mammon offers stores untold,
Which Avarice counts, of shining gold;
And Pride his bloated face displays;
And Vanity, in her own praise
Speaks long and loud; and Folly tells
His pointless tale, and shakes his bells;
And weak Conceit, with mincing mien,
Still walks where Folly's steps have been:
While each obeys the potent call
Of Vice, who governs, Lord o'er all.
O nobler aims, and hopes more fair,
Shall claim thy young and studious care;
Wisdom shall lead thy wandering feet,
To her calm bowers and cool retreat;
And Science in her academe,
Shall tell thee of each lofty theme:
And Poesy thy heart o'erwhelm,
And lead thee thro' her fairy realm
And thou, with her shalt wander o'er
Old Grecia's laurel-circled shore,
And drink that soul-inspiring fount,
That wanders down the forked mount;
And thou shalt love the tales that tell
How Freedom's godlike children fell;
And feel the glorious theme inspire,
Within thy breast, a kindred fire.
Or should thy young steps turn aside,
Divine philosophy shall guide;
Shall fill with better hopes thy heart,
Subliming every mortal part;
Till in thy pure soul's simple grace,
Virtue shall find her perfect place.

O THOU , upon whose cheek the rose
Of stainless purity still glows;
Upon whose lip still dwells the smile
Of innocence, that knows no guile:
Whose uncontaminated youth
Still listens to the voice of truth:
Who still canst boast thy early prime,
Unsullied by the taint of crime;
Thy foot life's threshold is upon,
O pause, ere yet thy hopes be gone!
For lo! upon thy dangerous way,
The passions wait to seize their prey;
Ambition calls thee to the strife,
Where man, against his brother's life
Wields the bright sword, and points the spear,
Exulting in the orphan's tear;
And Mammon offers stores untold,
Which Avarice counts, of shining gold;
And Pride his bloated face displays;
And Vanity, in her own praise
Speaks long and loud; and Folly tells
His pointless tale, and shakes his bells;
And weak Conceit, with mincing mien,
Still walks where Folly's steps have been:
While each obeys the potent call
Of Vice, who governs, Lord o'er all.
O nobler aims, and hopes more fair,
Shall claim thy young and studious care;
Wisdom shall lead thy wandering feet,
To her calm bowers and cool retreat;
And Science in her academe,
Shall tell thee of each lofty theme:
And Poesy thy heart o'erwhelm,
And lead thee thro' her fairy realm
And thou, with her shalt wander o'er
Old Grecia's laurel-circled shore,
And drink that soul-inspiring fount,
That wanders down the forked mount;
And thou shalt love the tales that tell
How Freedom's godlike children fell;
And feel the glorious theme inspire,
Within thy breast, a kindred fire.
Or should thy young steps turn aside,
Divine philosophy shall guide;
Shall fill with better hopes thy heart,
Subliming every mortal part;
Till in thy pure soul's simple grace,
Virtue shall find her perfect place.