4596778Poems — On seeing at a Concert the Public Performance of a Female DwarfLucretia Maria Davidson
ON SEEING AT A CONCERT THE PUBLIC PERFORMANCE OF A FEMALE DWAREF.
Helpless, unprotected, weary, Tossed upon the world's wide sea, Borne from those I love most dearly, Say—dost thou not feel for me?
Who that hath shrunk 'neath Nature's frown, Would court false fortune's fickle smile? O, who would wander thus alone, Reckless alike of care or toil?
Who would, for fading pleasure, brave The sea of troubles, dark and deep? For lo! the gems which deck the wave Vanish, and "leave the wretch to weep."
'Twas not for fortune's smile of light, Which beams but to destroy forever; 'Twas not for pleasure's bubbles bright, Which dazzle still, deluding ever:
Oft have I faltered when alone Before the crowd I sung my lay; But ah, a father's feeble moan Rung in my ears, I dared not stay.
O, I have borne pride's scornful look, And burning taunts from slander's tongue; Yet more of malice I could brook, E'en though my heart with grief was wrung,
Adieu! a long—a last adieu— Once more I launch upon life's sea; But still shall memory turn to you, For, stranger, you have felt for me.
