The Shamrock or, Hibernian Cresses. A Collection of Poems, Songs, Epigrams, &c. Latin as well as English, The Original Production of Ireland. To which are subjoined thoughts on the prevailing system of school education, respecting young ladies as well as gentlemen: with practical proposals for a reformation [by Samuel Whyte] |
 |
 | The Shamrock |  |
91
THE LAWYER'S PRAYER.
A FRAGMENT.
Ordain'd to tread the thorny Ground,Where few, I fear, are faithful found;
Mine, be the Conscience void of Blame;
The upright Heart; the spotless Name;
The Tribute of the Widow's Prayer;
The righted Orphan's grateful Tear!
To Virtue, and her Friends, a Friend;
Still may my Voice the Weak defend!
Ne'er may my prostituted Tongue
Protect th'Oppressor in his Wrong;
Nor wrest the Spirit of the Laws,
To sanctify the Villain's Cause!
Let others, with unsparing Hand,
Scatter their Poison through the Land;
Enflame Dissention, kindle Strife;
And strew with Ills the Path of Life;
On such, her Gifts let Fortune shower;
Add Wealth to Wealth, and Power to Power;
On me, may favouring Heaven bestow
That Peace which good Men only know.
The Joy of Joys, by few possess'd;
Th'eternal Sunshine of the Breast!
92
The Praise of Honesty be mine;
That Friends may weep; the Worthy sigh;
And poor Men bless me, when I die!
| The Shamrock | |