Classic Poem

— O! frail, uncertain state, where shall we find
— A truer emblem of the human mind,
— Than in the floating ice; by billows tost,
— It tow'rs on high, there sparkles, and is lost?
— The sun-beams bright dissolve the glitt'ring toy,
— And rocks that lurk in ambush to destroy;
— Each cause concurs this sacred truth to prove,
— No joys are permanent but those above.
— What art thou, Pleasure? fleeting as a dream,
— Which sudden blazes like a northern gleam,
— That plays a moment on our dazzled eyes,
— Then palls, and fades, and in an instant dies!
— What, Love, art thou? the whirlpool of our rest,
— The fatal eddy of the human breast,
— The soft sensation that unseen obtains
— Such sovereign pow'r, soon absolute it reigns!
— Had not my eyes thy charms, O! Ajutt, trac'd,
— The sweet expressions that thy person grac'd,
— The winning softness and th' attracting mien,
— Which conscious spoke the Graces dwelt within;
— Then had I still with downy ease been blest,
— Slept like the careless Morse in vacant rest;
— Joyous as minstrels in the starry sphere,
— Had felt no grief, a stranger still to fear:
— But if my lovely fair will true remain,
— How light each toil, how overpaid each pain!
— That sweet reflection shall my peace restore,
— She's true as fair, and we shall part no more:
— That thought, my Ajutt, shall my nerves new brace,
— I'll hunt the Rein-deer with unwearied chace;
— A few weeks past then loaded I'll return,
— And Love's pure flame for us shall grateful burn;
— Roefish and Porpoise shall thy kindred feast,
— And thou shalt smile on ev'ry friendly guest;
— The Seals' tough skins shall screen thee from the cold,
— The Fox and Hare shall Ajutt's couch enfold;
— The marble lamps with sweetest oil I'll fill,
— To light thy tent, and fragrant fumes distil:
— Haste then, O! Time, add swiftness to thy flight,
— Haste and restore my Ajutt to my sight. —