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39
STANZAS
ON INDEPENDENCE.
1
If the calm wisdom, which in sober ageTeaches the mazy paths of life to thread,
In youth were ours, we by a gradual stage
Should gently journey to our mortal bed!
2
False faith, false hopes, false pleasures lead us on;Till deep entangled in delusion's net,
(The moment of escape forever gone,)
In lasting chains of ruin we are set!
40
3
For wild desires, which, when possess'd, bestowScarce a short moment of uncertain joy,
We pay long lingering years of certain woe,
Which patience cannot soothe, nor prayer destroy!
4
To catch the favour, that will never come;To win the praise, that is an idle sound,
On others' wanton will we fix our doom;
And in the yoke of servitude are bound!
5
There is no bliss, but on ourselves depends;There is no mercy in another's heart;
No anchor-ground in breasts of fickle friends;
No fountain, that will aid in need impart!
6
The feeblest power in hand, (which prudence heedsToo lightly the most humble wish to fill,)
In true substantial value far exceeds
The chance of empires at another's will!
etc. etc.
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