Classic Poem

SOLILOQUY XII.

When will the journey end? this weary race,
This tedious pilgrimage of life be o'er?
'Tis guilt, 'tis error, shades and darkness all!
Some hellish snare attends on ev'ry step,
And I shall stumble, fall, and be undone;
If thou one moment leave thy trembling charge,
And trust me to myself, my treach'rous heart
Will give up all the boundless joys to come,
The smiles of God, the raptures of his love,
For toys, for trifles, dross and empty dreams.
My foes are watchful; and my foolish heart,
Too credulous, unguarded and secure,
Gives easy entrance to the fatal arts
Of those infernal pow'rs that seek my ruin.

But thou canst break the snare; and hitherto
The Lord has help'd, be thine alone the praise!
O leave me not at last to bring reproach,
Or cast a blemish on thy holy ways.
Thou know'st my folly, impotence and guilt,
What darkness, what depravity controls
My nobler pow'rs; how when my rising thoughts
Would fix on thee, this mortal part withstands.

O bring my soul from this detested prison,
Enlarge it, and my tongue shall speak thy praise!