REFLECTION.

Why should we think the years of life

Will pass serenely by,

When, for a day, the Sun himself

Ne'er sees a cloudless sky!

And, unassuming as she moves,

The meek-eyed Queen of night,

Meets wand'ring vapours in her path

To dim her paler light!

Then why should we in vain repine

At man's uncertain lot,

That cares will equally assail

The palace and the cot?

For Heaven ordains this chequer'd scene

Our mortal pow'rs t’ employ;

That we might know, compare, select,

Be grateful, and enjoy.