The Life and Poetical Works of James Woodhouse :: :: University of Virginia Library

OBSERVATIVE REFLECTIONS.

Were Conscience well awake, she'd loudly call
To the proud Pelegs of this temporal Ball,
And tell them, what their Priests forbear to tell;
Who promise Heav'n, but rarely speak of Hell!
Would tell them, all the crowds of Toil and Care,
From their first Father claim a common share.
That, when their high Creator first assign'd
The Earth to Man, 'twas meant for all Mankind;
And His pure Justice still maintains this plea,
“Rights never forfeited must still be free.”
'Tis true, a cruel, crafty, pow'rful, Prince,
By impious usurpation, seiz'd it since;
And, from his airy, arbitrary, throne,
Once offer'd all of what was ne'er his own,
To One whose Will and Wisdom, form'd it first,
And, tho', thro' Man's foul crime, the whole's accurs'd,
Still by His Mercy, Providence, and Might;
Supplies His Creatures, and supports His Right;
While still, that Tyrant, offers pow'r, and pelf,
To Mortals that resemble most himself—
Still stimulates those Tools of Pride and Pow'r,
To spoil the Poor of all Heav'n's bounteous dow'r.