BIB Id 283487
The Orphan Boy; or
STAY, lady-stay for mercy's sake,
And hear a hapless Orphan's tale,
Ah sure my looks must pity wake-
'Tis want that makes my cheek so pale!
Yet I was once a mother's pride,
And my brave father's hope and joy;
But in the
And I am now an orphan boy!
Poor foolish child, how pleas'd was I,
When news of
Along the crowded streets to fly-
And see the lighted windows flame!
To force me home my mother sought-
She could not bear to see my joy;
For with my father's life 'twas bought-
And made me a poor orphan boy.
The people's shouts were long and loud;
My mother shudd'ring, clos'd her ears;
Rejoice, rejoice, still cry'd the crowd-
My mother answer'd with her tears!
Oh, why do tears steal down your cheek,
Cried I, while others shout with joy?
She kiss'd me. and in accents weak
She call'd me her poor orphan boy.
What is an orphan boy? I said-
When suddenly she gasp'd for breath,
And her eye clos'd!-I shriek'd for aid;
But, ah, her eyes were clos'd in death.
My hardships since I will not tell;
But now no more a parent's joy,
Ah, lady, I have learnt too well
What 'tis to be an orphan boy.
Oh! were I by your bounty fed!
Nay, gentlelady, do not chide.
Trust me I mean to earn my bread-
The sailor's orphan boy has pride.
Lady, you weep-what is't you say?
You'll give me clothing, food, employ!
Look down, dear parents, look and see
You happy, happy orphan boy.
The Galley Slave.
OH! think on my fate, once I freedom
enjoy'd,
Was happy as happy could be;
But pleasure is fled, even hope's destroyed,
A captive, alas, on the sea.
I was ta'en by the foe, 'twas the fiat of fate,
To tare me from her I adore;
When thought brings to mind my once
happier state,
I sigh-I sigh, as I tug at the oar.
Hard, hard is my fate, how galling my chain,
My life's steer'd by misery's chart,
And tho' againstmy tyrant I scorn to complain
Tears gush forth to ease my sad heart.
I disdain e'en to shrink, tho I feel the sharp
lash,
Yet my breast bleeds for her I adore;
While round me the merciless billows do
dash,
I sigh-I sigh, and still tug at the oar.
How fortune deceives! I had pleasure in tow,
The port where she dwelt was in view;
But the wish'd nuptial morn was o'er
clouded with woe,
I was hurried, dear
Our shallop was boarded, and I torn away,
To behold that dear
But despair wastes my spirits, I feel a decay,
He sigh'd-he sigh;d, and expir'd at the oar.
Sailor's Return.
BEHOLD, from many a hostile shore,
And all the dangers of the main,
Where billows mount and tempests roar,
Your faithful
Returns and with him brings a heart.
That ne'er from
After long toils and troubles past,
How sweet to tread our native soil,
With conquest to return at last,
And our sweethearts with the spoil;
No one to beauty should pretend,
But one who dare its rights defend.