Charlotte Smith (1749–1806)

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 folly 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!