 | A Collection of Poems on Various Subjects |  |
Exercise.
Ah me! how bitter is this Cup to drink!
How do I tremble when on it I think!
Surely, to fight with Tigres, or to rouse
Old hungry Lyons, were less hazardous;
Yea, I should think I made a happy Change,
To meet a Bear, whom Hunger makes to range,
Or to encounter with a Dragon fierce,
Whose scaly Hide no Sword did ever pierce.
How do I tremble when on it I think!
Surely, to fight with Tigres, or to rouse
Old hungry Lyons, were less hazardous;
Yea, I should think I made a happy Change,
To meet a Bear, whom Hunger makes to range,
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Whose scaly Hide no Sword did ever pierce.
But what! do I demur; still make Delay!
Seem yet to doubt, whether I should obey,
Or Rebel prove! let no such tainting Thought,
Into my yet untainted Breast be brought.
Why stay I? Why forbear then to proceed?
Success crowns Acts; Delays but Danger breed,
And Strength in Weakness, Faithfulness doth find,
When Slothfulness is often left behind.
Seem yet to doubt, whether I should obey,
Or Rebel prove! let no such tainting Thought,
Into my yet untainted Breast be brought.
Why stay I? Why forbear then to proceed?
Success crowns Acts; Delays but Danger breed,
And Strength in Weakness, Faithfulness doth find,
When Slothfulness is often left behind.
| A Collection of Poems on Various Subjects | |