Classic Poem

Softly wrapt in bliss elysian,
On a downy bed of rest,
An instructive, wondrous vision
Swiftly pass'd across by breast,
As the mazy path of mortals
Was before my fancy spread,
From its dim, mysterious portals
To the mansions of the dead;

I observed the infant clinging
To its joyful mother's arms,
And with every moment springing
Into youth's attractive charms,
Till the smiling youth ascending,
Strove the rugged mount to climb,
Where the rays of hope were blending
With the light of truth sublime.

Manhood next, with endless passions,
In the path before me came,
Ruled by habits, led by fashions,
Seeking pleasure, wealth, or fame;
And he toil'd or sported nigh me,
Pleased with bubbles light as air,
Till at length he totter'd by me
With his staff and silver hair.

There was careless, headstrong folly
Making laughter for the gay,
There was lonely melancholy
Sadly pining life away;
There were pride and fortune's minions
Ever seeking rank and pow'r;
There was love, with golden pinions,
Lull'd in beauty's rosy bow'r.

Genius there, with art and science,
Strove the rugged path to cheer;
Cautious reason bade defiance
To the wiles of hope and fear;
Cheerful wisdom was inspecting
Numerous objects on the road,
And religion was directing
To a happier abode.

Still was time by far the fleetest
Of the mystic ones in view,
And his presence was the sweetest
As he bade a last adieu;
For the king of terrors nigh them
Ever stood, their watchful foe,
And as soon as time past by them
He destroy'd them at a blow.

I beheld him strike the youngest one,
And life with him was o'er;
I beheld him strike the strongest one,
The strong appear'd no more;
I beheld him strike the boldest one,
Who fell beneath his dart;
I beheld him strike the oldest one,
And pierce his wither'd heart.

But the funeral procession
My impressive vision broke,
As, aroused by its progression,
From my slumber I awoke:
There were relatives condoling
For the beauteous and the brave,
And the solemn bell was tolling,
As the lost one press'd the grave.