The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. Containing, besides his Sermons, and Essays on miscellaneous subjects, several additional pieces, Selected from his Manuscripts by the Rev. Dr. Jennings, and the Rev. Dr. Doddridge, in 1753: to which are prefixed, memoirs of the life of the author, compiled by the Rev. George Burder. In six volumes |
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The Reverse; or, the Comforts of a Friend.
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The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | ||
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The Reverse; or, the Comforts of a Friend.
I
Thus nature tun'd her mournful tongue,Till grace lift up her head,
Revers'd the sorrow and the song,
And smiling, thus she said:
II
‘Were kindred spirits born for cares?‘Must ev'ry grief be mine?
‘Is there a sympathy in tears,
‘Yet joys refuse to join?’
III
Forbid it, heav'n, and raise my love.And make our joys the same:
So bliss and friendship join'd above
Mix an immortal flame.
IV
Sorrows are lost in vast delightThat brightens all the soul;
As deluges of dawning light
O'erwhelm the dusky pole.
V
Pleasures in long succession reign,And all my pow'rs employ:
Friendship but shifts the pleasing scene,
And fresh repeats the joy.
VI
Life has a soft and silver thread,Nor is it drawn too long;
Yet when my vaster hopes persuade,
I'm willing to be gone.
VII
Fast as ye please roll down the hill,And haste away, my years;
Or I can wait my Father's will,
And dwell beneath the spheres.
VIII
Rise glorious, every future sun,Gild all my following days,
But make the last dear moment known
By well-distinguish'd rays.
The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | ||