On children at play
Sighing I see yon little troop at play,
By sorrow yet untouched, unhurt by care,
While free and sportive they enjoy to-day,
“Content and careless of to-morrow’s fare.”*
O, happy age! when Hope’s unclouded ray
Lights their green path, and prompts their simple mirth,
Ere yet they feel the thorns that lurking lay
To wound the wretched pilgrims of the earth,
Making them rue the hour that gave them birth,
And threw them on a world so full of pain,
Where prosperous foly treads on patient worth,
And to deaf pride misfortune pleads in vain.
Ah! – for their future fate how many fears
Oppress my heart, and fill mine eyes with tears!
* Thomson
Sighing I see yon little troop at play,
By sorrow yet untouched, unhurt by care,
While free and sportive they enjoy to-day,
“Content and careless of to-morrow’s fare.”*
O, happy age! when Hope’s unclouded ray
Lights their green path, and prompts their simple mirth,
Ere yet they feel the thorns that lurking lay
To wound the wretched pilgrims of the earth,
Making them rue the hour that gave them birth,
And threw them on a world so full of pain,
Where prosperous foly treads on patient worth,
And to deaf pride misfortune pleads in vain.
Ah! – for their future fate how many fears
Oppress my heart, and fill mine eyes with tears!
* Thomson