40
ON THE TIMES IN ENGLAND.
Would make men truly great, and wise, and good,
Though so perverted and misunderstood.
Yet now fair Science rears aloft her head,—
Genius, invention, knowledge, wide are spread,
And education's blessings showered around
On all, in every situation found.
Does knowledge cause the evil we deplore?
Would barbarous ignorance befriend us more?
No! knowledge is a blessing all should prize,
And wilful ignorance as much despise;
But ever should be such of sterling use,—
No blessing liable to more abuse,—
Such knowledge as will time and death defy,
And flourish most in worlds beyond the sky.
As when a voyager to a distant shore
Has o'er the seas a pathway to explore,
Should ever keep his destined port in mind,
Though beautiful the coast he leaves behind,
Nor, idly lingering, trifle time away
With what should only soothe him on his way,
So man, proceeding on his heaven-bound course,
Should for that voyage collect his utmost force;
Though so perverted and misunderstood.
Yet now fair Science rears aloft her head,—
Genius, invention, knowledge, wide are spread,
And education's blessings showered around
On all, in every situation found.
Does knowledge cause the evil we deplore?
Would barbarous ignorance befriend us more?
No! knowledge is a blessing all should prize,
And wilful ignorance as much despise;
But ever should be such of sterling use,—
No blessing liable to more abuse,—
Such knowledge as will time and death defy,
And flourish most in worlds beyond the sky.
As when a voyager to a distant shore
Has o'er the seas a pathway to explore,
Should ever keep his destined port in mind,
Though beautiful the coast he leaves behind,
Nor, idly lingering, trifle time away
With what should only soothe him on his way,
So man, proceeding on his heaven-bound course,
Should for that voyage collect his utmost force;
