The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1821-10-10
POETRY.
CSELEC7ED ]
ME.

WHAT strnge thing is Time who would believe
That past and future could much deceive ,
Loqk forward, one days like thousand cones
Lopk back and thousands but sppss ar one
Yet Ills not Time that causes the deceit
Times still the same but hope and mem 'ry cheat.
A. objects with the naked eye we view,
The midspace tells their distance nearly true
Hun when the telescope assists the eye,
Mid-space we lose, bnt bring the object nigh,
We see its size, proportion. shape and place,
But wholly lose the Intermediate space.
Thus when the mind looks forward TO day,
It. sees the years ths, first must pass away;
To hope impatient. moments days appear,
Each day a month and every month years
But, when the memory past time reviews,
And sweet sensations, and delight Ienegs,
The years are vanishing that since past,
The moment thought OF but endure The iast;
Euture aisd past appear alike IN fact,
Tbs mem'ry shortens. that our hops pr0tfacti
And daily from experience, we see
ihe mental Telescopes the memory.
My country's laws this day declare zoe mani
Prom birth TO manhood what scGnty span
T~enty.and~one long years have rolled away;
And nov they're gone appear but as day
My youthful gsmbols. as look behind,
All pour with novel pleasure my mIndj
huslng my sports that infancy beguiled,
II seems 4 was but yesterday chiidl' n...
Halt happy day, with genuine gladness frsught
Hail distant joys. that cheer refectiug thought.
syet now fAr the prospect of my .ife,
From sorrow free and uDdsturbed by strife,
Save when I've moistened with an srtless tear,
6Gna tender friends or kind relations bier
Shujde red when misery her tale revealed
ArJ yainly pilied what I'd fsin have healed.
On the wide ocean OF the world thus far,
I've sailed with safety, by parental care
II tcnpests threatened. or il storms drew nigh,
Zach toll was theirs, The passive subject 1 a..
My sprins OF life no dismal clouds o'ercsst.
L. nsyer tell mlslortunes bitter blast
Win iull reliance on my pilots skill.
knew no danger, ard ftared no ill.,
Thus hed the time and now, their duty done,
IT'S mine 10 finish what they thus begun,
Now myself depends my rise fall,
My lie, my fortune, happiness. and all
Ills mine the smooth rugged path 10 choose,
Their precepts follow. OF their care abuse;
10 sesk or ny temptations coaxing lure.
and court my rum or my peace secure.
Hard is the task but why should despair,
III strive and trust in providental care.
Heaven gave me strength the labor to sustain,
And heavens kind gifts are not bestowed in vain,
Whate'er be or whereso'er go,
py fortune fovored, or oppressed by woe,
May honor. gratitude. and truth, concur,
TO virtue urge mo, and from vice deter;
Teach me to reverence parents nod.
Respect any neishbor, and adore my God;
f. trust 20 meiowed reasons sage advice,
Nor yield consent when lawess Joys entice;
To store my mind with intellectual food,
Consult the wise snd initiate the good:
The passions curb, their sudden gusts control,
And calm the rising passions of the soul.
Never from rectitude or honor swerve,
nt Sut what hat, IA gan, forget not to deserve;
Still struggling rather to be good than great;
Thus shall genuine contentment find,
The sterl,rg pleasure Of the yiruous mind;
Calmly behold the gsth'ring years increase,
And LIES last sun drop gently down in peace;