LIKE thee I once have stemm'd the sea of life, <br /> Like thee have languish'd after empty joys, <br />Like thee have labour'd in the stormy strife, <br /> Been grieved for trifles, and amused with toys. <br /> <br />Forget my frailties; thou art also frail: <br /> Forgive my lapses; for thyself may'st fall: <br />Nor read unmoved my artless tender tale--<br /><br />James Beattie<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/an-epitaph-5/
