Moral Pieces, in Prose and Verse/Cares of Earth
CARES OF EARTH.
Whoever has attempted to fix all the powers of his mind upon intellectual or religious attainments, must have felt and mourned the intrusion of restless projects and worldly pursuits, which, under the name of necessary diligence, or laudable economy, usurp places not belonging to them, and check the noblest fruits of the soul.
O cares of earth! how vast and strong ye rise,
To keep the spirit from her kindred skies;
To blind the eye which looks on things divine,
And cool the heart where Christ's own love might shine.
Why hold ye o'er my soul this restless power?
Why steal ye thus upon the midnight hour?
Why will ye on my secret haunts intrude,
And break the charm of much lov'd solitude?
For whether evening stars with splendour shine,
Or morning lead the dawn, or day decline,
Or meek retirement spread her soft control,
Or intellectual joys inspire the soul,
Or active zeal the ready powers command,
Or high devotion lift her sceptred hand,
Or sad contrition wake the secret tear,
Still, still, ye vain pursuits, ye strive to hover near.
Not always thus your burden shall I bear;
The silence of the tomb!—Ye come not there;
The pure abodes of bliss ye shall not stain,
The spirit freed and cleans'd ye shall not pain.
To this vain world is your short reign confin'd,
This empty bubble dancing on the wind;
A little while your boasted arts renew;
A little while—and then, a long and last adieu.