I turn'd me to the Rich Man then, You ask'd me why the poor complain, And these have answer'd thee. ROBERT SOUTHEY, 1774-1843. THE LABOURER. STAND up erect! Thou hast the form A soul as dauntless 'mid the storm What then?-Thou art as true a MAN Who is thine enemy?—the high In station, or in wealth the chief? The great, who coldly pass thee by, With proud step, and averted eye? Nay! nurse not such belief. If true unto thyself thou wast, What were the proud one's scorn to thee? A feather, which thou mightest cast Aside, as idly as the blast The light leaf from the tree. No:-uncurb'd passions-low desires- These are thine enemies-thy worst: Thy labour and thy life accurst. Oh, stand erect! and from them burst! Thou art thyself thine enemy! The great!—what better they than thou? As theirs, is not thy will as free? Has God with equal favours thee True, wealth thou hast not: 'tis but dust! Of both-a noble mind. With this, and passions under ban, M. D. GALLAGHER, 1808 -American. NOW AND THEN. Now is a constant warning stroke A voice our wisdom to evoke, Now is the watchword of the wise, Brings pain of heart, and gloom of brow; Now gilds the banner of the brave, And Prudence wears it on her breast; That talisman has power to save From vain remorse and sad unrest. Then leads us by an easy rein, And breaks our well-intention'd vow: But would we earn some sterling gain, Let's make the effort Now. Then may not come,-but Now is here, All ready at our own right hand, Perhaps with aspect half austere, Yet prompt to help, if we command: Strive with it, and its blessings fall, Like sweet fruit from a laden bough; But we must feed on husks of gall, If we neglect the Now. In youth, if just ambition fire, And seem to lift the soul on wings; In manhood, with our passions strong, Sorrows will come, regrets and fears Let's seek the right, and Now. If 'mid the world's rude shock and strife, Oh, what a priceless loss is thine! Procrastination, foe to bliss, Curse far more baneful than it seems, JOHN CRITCHLEY PRINCE, 1808 |