When first the vernal morn of life

When first the vernal morn of life,
Beam’d on my infant eye,
Fond I survey’d the smiling scene,
Nor saw the tempest nigh,

Hope’s bright illusions touch’d my soul,
My yound ideas led;
And Fancy’s vivid tints combine’d,
And fairy prospects spread.

My guileless heart expanded wide,
With filial fondness fraught;
Paternal love that heart supplied
With all its fondness sought.

But O! the cruel, quick reverse!
Fate all I lov’d involv’d;
Pale Grief Hope’s trembling rays dispers’d,
And Fancy’s dreams dissolv’d.”