Stay, lady, stay, for mercy's sake, <br />And hear a helpless orphan's tale, <br />Ah! sure my looks must pity wake, <br />'Tis want that makes my cheek so pale. <br /> <br />Yet I was once a mother's pride, <br />And my brave father's hope and joy, <br />But in the Nile's proud fight he died, <br />And I am now an orphan boy. <br /> <br />Poor foolish child! how pleased was I, <br />When news of Nelson's victory came, <br />Along the crowded streets to fly, <br />And see the lighted windows flame! <br /> <br />To force me home my mother sought, <br />She could not bear to see my joy; <br />For with my father's life 'twas bought, <br />And made me a poor orphan boy. <br /> <br />The people's shouts were long and loud, <br />My mother, shuddering, clos'd her ears; <br />'Rejoice! rejoice!' still cried the crowd; <br />My mother answered with her tears. <br /> <br />'Why are you crying thus,' said I, <br />'While others laugh and shout for joy?' <br />She kiss'd me -- and with such a sigh! <br />She called me her poor orphan boy. <br /> <br />'What is an orphan boy?' I cried, <br />As in her face I look'd and smil'd; <br />My mother through her tears replied, <br />'You'll know too soon, ill-fated child!' <br /> <br />And now they've toll'd my mother's knell, <br />And I'm no more a parent's joy; <br />O lady, -- I have learnt too well <br />What 'tis to be an orphan boy. <br /> <br />Oh! were I by your bounty fed! <br />Nay, gentle lady, do not chide,-- <br />Trust me, I mean to earn my bread; <br />The sailor's orphan boy has pride. <br /> <br />Lady, you weep! -- ha? -- this to me? <br />You'll give me clothing, food, employ <br />Look down, dear parents! look and see <br />Your happy, happy orphan boy!<br /><br />Amelia Opie<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-orphan-boy-s-tale/
