1 <br /> <br />Escaped the gloom of mortal life, a soul <br />Here leaves its mouldering tenement of clay, <br />Safe where no cares their whelming billows roll, <br />No doubts bewilder, and no hopes betray. <br /> <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br />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 /> <br />3 <br /> <br />Yet, for a while, 'gainst Passion's threatful blast <br />Let steady Reason urge the struggling oar; <br />Shot through the dreary gloom, the morn at last <br />Gives to thy longing eye the blissful shore. <br /> <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />Forget my frailties, thou art also frail; <br />Forgive my lapses, for thyself mayst fall; <br />Nor read, unmoved, my artless tender tale, <br />I was a friend, O man! to thee, to all.<br /><br />James Beattie<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/epitaph-intended-for-himself/
