Poems (David)/The Empty Library
THE EMPTY LIBRARY.
OFT vacant shelves have mem'ries sweet Of wisdom's golden grains divine;The dream of learning's much loved feast Throughout my waking thoughts will shine.
I sigh o'er vanished "Tomes," whose page My youthful heart did quickly gain.—Oh! cruel hands that bore thee hence, I would your labour had been vain!
Vacant shelves, thy mem'ries dear, Of offerings to wisdom bright,—As the diamond's glittering beam, Doth shine to me thy guiding light.
Can I forgive the grasping hands Who bore my mental feast away—Though scant the knowledge that I own, And craving would own more—I pray!
Ye vacant shelves, alas! with joy Can I survey thy ranks no more!—Oh! would that I might fairly claim The varied burden that ye bore.
Scholar—Dame Fortune's wheel hath thrown In wild and wanton chance to yeIn wisdom's golden path the gates,— Oh! give thy cherish'd "Tomes" to me!