Part 2 — THE PENITENT.

Sorrowful, weak, dejected, and in fear, Most Merciful, I fall before thy throne! The world through wickedness is dark and drear, Peace and content are found in Heaven alone. A retrospect of sin behind me lies, A peccant youth all spent at Belial’s shrine! The meek Judæan beckoned from the skies; I heeded not, seduced by powers malign. The scales are fallen from my darkened sight, A potent euphrasy is poured therein; I look around with terror and affright, Behold the world is vanity and sin! With labor infinite, the race of men Their ruined mansion struggle to restore; By their own might they think to make again The Earth a happy Eden as of yore. This task no mortal skill can execute, All Archimedean subtleties are vain; Invention, sciences, and minds astute, Are baulked, like those of old on Shinar’s plain. Though unto us the elements become Obsequious helots to our wills subdued; Though, Ariel-like, the glittering lightning run, To do our errands over land and flood; All is in vain—a doom—a deadly blight Is on us, and our space-embosomed home; Our fallen natures can be made upright By meek contrition and by faith alone.