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Oft times I mus'd, and nigh despair,
While birds melodious fill'd the air.
Thrice happy songsters, ever free,'
How blest were they compar'd to me!
Thus all things added to my pain;
While grief compell'd me to complain;
When sable clouds began to rise,
My mind grew darker than the skies.
The English nation forc'd to leave,
How did my breast with sorrow heave!
I long'd for rest — cried "Help me, Lord!
"Some mitigation, Lord, afford!"
Yet on, dejected, still I went—
Heart throbbing woes within me pent;
Nor land, nor sea, could comfort give,
Nor aught my anxious mind relieve.
Weary with troubles yet unknown
To all but God and self alone,
Numerous months for peace I strove,
Numerous foes I had to prove.
Inur'd to dangers, grief, and woes,
Train'd up 'midst perils, death, and foes
I said, "Must it thus ever be?
"No quiet is permitted me."
Hard hap, and more than heavy lot!
I pray'd to God, "Forget me not—
"What thou ordain'st help me to bear;
"But, O! deliver from despair!"
