1 br br Escaped the gloom of mortal life, a soul br Here leaves its mouldering tenement of clay, br Safe where no cares their whelming billows roll, br No doubts bewilder, and no hopes betray. br br br 2 br br Like thee, I once have stemm'd the sea of life; br Like thee, have languish'd after empty joys; br Like thee, have labour'd in the stormy strife; br Been grieved for trifles, and amused with toys. br br br 3 br br Yet, for a while, 'gainst Passion's threatful blast br Let steady Reason urge the struggling oar; br Shot through the dreary gloom, the morn at last br Gives to thy longing eye the blissful shore. br br br 4 br br Forget my frailties, thou art also frail; br Forgive my lapses, for thyself mayst fall; br Nor read, unmoved, my artless tender tale, br I was a friend, O man! to thee, to all.