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And often to the wand'ring poor Their scanty pittance have they spa'd.r
Content and health his cottage bless'd, And plenty still his labour crown'd;Calm pleasure fill'd his pious breast, And peace and comfort smil'd around.
But short is pleasure's fleeting day, And like the sun-beam on the deepThat glitters bright, then fades away, And leaves the trembling wretch to wee p
The weary cares of day were o'er, And tranquil slept the busy world;The billows slumber'd on the shore, And scarce a breeze the waters curl'd.
When Eric, rous'd from happy dreams, Light started from the arms of rest,And by the pale moon's glimm'ring beams Embark'd upon the ocean's breast.
The merry lads were at his side; And told him many a cheerful tale,As swiftly o'er th' unruffled tide Soft zephyrs waft their swelling sail.
The morning rose with smiles serene; They set their lines with anxious care,And joyful hail'd the prosp'rous scene; The deep so still, the heav'ns so fair.
