O thousands, who have never found your mates, <br />But pine in secret for their love unknown, <br />O thousands, whom perverse and bitter fates <br />Force, evilly-mated, still to dwell alone,- <br />O multitude, mismatch'd for loves and hates! <br />Would God, some gracious amnesty were given, <br />Some general goal-delivery of minds, <br />Freed from these bonds of earth, unblest by heaven, <br />Bursting the chain that cankers while it binds <br />The many wedded slaves, in couples driven <br />Together down the thorniest path of Life! <br />Would God, some privilege of wider range <br />Cheer'd the poor martyrs of domestic strife, <br />Giving to such the happy chance of change.<br /><br />Martin Farquhar Tupper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-common-sorrow/
