The poems and literary prose of Alexander Wilson ... for the first time fully collected and compared with the original and early editions ... edited ... by the Rev. Alexander B. Grosart ... with portrait, illustrations, &c |
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 | The poems and literary prose of Alexander Wilson |  |
MORAL.
Now, Mr. President, I think 'tis plain,
That youthfu' diffidence is certain gain;
Instead of blocking up the road to Knowledge,
It guides alike, in Commerce or at College;
Struggles the bursts of passion to controul;
Feeds all the finer feelings of the soul;
Defies the deep-laid stratagems of guile,
And gives even Innocence a sweeter smile;
Ennobles all the little worth we have,
And shields our virtue even to the grave.
That youthfu' diffidence is certain gain;
Instead of blocking up the road to Knowledge,
It guides alike, in Commerce or at College;
Struggles the bursts of passion to controul;
Feeds all the finer feelings of the soul;
Defies the deep-laid stratagems of guile,
And gives even Innocence a sweeter smile;
Ennobles all the little worth we have,
And shields our virtue even to the grave.
How vast the diff'rence, then, between the twain!
Since Pleasure ever is pursu'd by Pain.
Pleasure's a syren, with inviting arms,
Sweet is her voice, and powerful are her charms;
Lur'd by her call we tread her flow'ry ground,
Joy wings our steps and music warbles round;
Lull'd in her arms we lose the flying hours,
And lie embosom'd 'midst her blooming bow'rs,
Till—arm'd with death, she watches our undoing,
Stabs while she sings, and triumphs in our ruin.
Since Pleasure ever is pursu'd by Pain.
Pleasure's a syren, with inviting arms,
Sweet is her voice, and powerful are her charms;
Lur'd by her call we tread her flow'ry ground,
Joy wings our steps and music warbles round;
Lull'd in her arms we lose the flying hours,
And lie embosom'd 'midst her blooming bow'rs,
Till—arm'd with death, she watches our undoing,
Stabs while she sings, and triumphs in our ruin.
| The poems and literary prose of Alexander Wilson | |