University of Virginia Library

SHOW ME THE RUINED MAN.

I

Show me the ruined man
Who never hopes to rise,
Who on the earth where he is hurl'd,
Without an effort lies.
Oh! bid him come to me
And tell his secret care;
Whate'er it be, he yet must learn
Man never should despair.

II

This is not said by one,
Who no reverse has known;
The chances are, his lot hath been
Less gloomy than my own.
But God will give us strength
For the burthen we must bear;
Adversity hath taught me this—
Man never should despair.

III

The gloom of blighted hopes
None better know than I,
And wrong'd by those I loved, I've pray'd
To lay me down and die!
But blessings still remain'd,
And 'twas an impious prayer;
Hope will not leave a guiltless mind,
Man never should despair.