Apparitions > Aloway Kirk, or, Tam o' Shanter, a tale

22
An A every time has added proofs.
That Man -was made to mourn.
*•
O Man ! while in thy early years.
How prodigal of time !
Mis-spending all thy precious hours,
Thy glorious youthful prime !
Alternate Follies take the sway :
Licentious Passions burn;
'Which tenfold force gives Nature’s law,
That man was made to mourn.
Look not alone on youthful Prime,
Or Manhood’s active might;
Man then is useful to his kind,
Supported is his right.
But see him on the edge of life,
With Cares and Sorrows worn,
Then Age and Want, Oh! ill match’d pair
Shew man was made to mourn.
A few seem favourites of Fate,
In Pleasure’s lap carest;
Yet, think not all the Rich and Great
Are likewise truly blest.
But Oh ! what crouds in ever}' land,
Are wretched and forlorn,
Thro’ weary life this lesson learn,
That man was make to mourn.
Many and sharp the num’rous ills,
Inwoven with our frame!