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38

Hard, hard is my fate! Oh how galling my chain;
My life's steer'd by Misery's chart;
And though 'gainst my tyrants I scorn to complain,
Tears gush forth to ease my full heart.
I disdain e'en to shrink, though I feel the sharp lash;
Yet my breast bleeds for her I adore,
While around me the unfeeling billows will dash,
I sigh! and still tug at the oar.

How fortune deceives; I had pleasure in tow,
The port where she dwelt we'd in view
But the wish'd nuptial morn was o'erclouded with woe,
And, dear Anna! I hurried from you.
Our shallop was boarded, and I borne away
To behold my dear Anna no more,
But despair wastes my spirits, my form feels decay—
He sigh'd, and expired at the oar.