Remorseless creditor, thou'st done the deed!
Nor tears, nor prayers, nor innocence could plead!
Oh! had thine heart one spark of pity known,
To griefs like ours it had compassion shewn!
Come! see thy captive! view his wretched state,
And shew some mercy ere it be too late;
Think! will this noisome air, and clay-cold floor,
His feeble frame to strength and health restore?
Oh could he liberty and strength regain,
To pay thy debt he ev'ry nerve would strain!
Will grief and anguish aid the wretched wife
In earning food to save each infant's life?
Ah! rather will not frenzy and despair
Deprive those infants of a mother's care?
Methinks e'en now, within this dungeon foul,
I hear her vent her agony of soul.