Classic Poem

Upon seeing a poor Object expiring in the Road near Bath , as the Author return'd from a Morning's Airing .

I.

Whilst I, upon my Churchill 's Back,
(I've bid adieu to stumbling Hack)
 Return'd from Morning's Ride;

II.

I saw, alas! it chill'd my Heart,
For, as a Man, who cou'd depart
 Without a plaintive Sigh?

III.

I saw, surrounded by a Croud,
Give Ear, ye rich, superfluous Proud,
 An Object, pale and wan;

IV.

Seiz'd with a sudden, fatal Stroke,
Her Face approaching Death bespoke—
 Her Dissolution near!

V.

'Twas Sympathy that check'd my Speed,
Most willing stopt my favourite Steed,
 I learnt th' affecting News!

VI.

And lo! to add a further Grief,
The very Object ask'd Relief,
 As forth I went to Air:

VII.

But now, and yet how short a Space!
So fleeting is the human Race,
 Reduc'd to such a Pause.—

VIII.

If thus uncertain in our State,
And you and I to sudden Fate,
 May equally give way;

IX.

Let Prudence, and religious Care,
Direct our Thoughts and Actions here,
 A well-spent Life's the best.

X.

Thus soon or late, when Heav'n demands
The Debt of Nature at our Hands,
 We may resign in Peace.