satisfied even as it were with marrow and
fatness, when my mouth praiseth thee with joyful lips.

PSALM lxiii. 6.

Advertisement.

This was not intended for the public; there were many and strong reasons
against it, and are so still; but some extracts of it, from the few copies
which were given away, being got into the printed papers, it was thought
necessary to publish something, lest a copy still more imperfect than this
should fall into the press: and it is hoped, that this unwelcome occasion
of publication may be some excuse for it.

As for the following stanzas, God Almighty's infinite power, and
marvellous goodness to man, is dwelt on, as the most just and cogent
reason for our cheerful and absolute resignation to his will; nor are any
of those topics declined, which have a just tendency to promote that
supreme virtue: such as the vanity of this life, the value of the next,
the approach of death, &c.

Part I.

The days how few, how short the years
Of man's too rapid race!
Each leaving, as it swiftly flies,
A shorter in its place.

They who the longest lease enjoy,
Have told us with a sigh,
That to be born seems little more
Than to begin to die.

Numbers there are who feel this truth
With fears alarm'd; and yet,
In life's delusions lull'd asleep,
This weighty truth forget:

And am not I to these akin?
Age slumbers o'er the quill;
Its honour blots, whate'er it writes,
And am I writing still?

Conscious of nature in decline,
And languor in my thoughts;
To soften censure, and abate
Its rigour on my faults

Permit me, madam! ere to you
The promis'd verse I pay,
To touch on felt infirmity,
Sad sister of decay.

One world deceas'd, another born,
Like Noah they behold,
O'er whose white hairs, and furrow'd brows,
Too many suns have roll'd:

Happy the patriarch! he rejoic'd
His second world to see:
My second world, though gay the scene,
Can boast no charms for me.

To me this brilliant age appears
With desolation spread;
Near all with whom I liv'd, and smil'd,
Whilst life was life, are dead;

And with them died my joys; the grave
Has broken nature's laws;
And clos'd, against this feeble frame,
Its partial cruel jaws;

Cruel to spar