Part 1 — THE BLIND BOY
Reading edition
O say what is that thing called Light, Which I must ne'er enjoy; What are the blessings of the sight, O tell your poor blind boy!
You talk of wondrous things you see, You say the sun shines bright; I feel him warm, but how can he, Or make it day or night?
My day or night myself I make Whene'er I sleep or play; And could I ever keep awake With me 'twere always day.
With heavy sighs I often hear You mourn my hapless woe; But sure with patience I can bear A loss I ne'er can know.
Then let not what I cannot have My cheer of mind destroy: Whilst thus I sing, I am a king, Although a poor blind boy.
Colley Cibber [1671-1757]