THE CRY OF HUMANITY
Oh what a weary pilgrimage I've paced
In learning only that I've nothing learned!
What will o' th' wisps and shadows have I chased!
For what unworthy objects have I yearned!
How vainly searched for truth in falsehood's mines!
What trust I've given only to be betrayed!
What pagan altars ta'en for holy shrines!
What vain fantastic prayers have I prayed!
What mirage-like illusions have I cherished!
In what blind alleys hoped a path to find!
My faith, my love, my hope, how have they perished!
For what imagined vices have I pined!
And in all ways what skill I've shown (poor elf!)
In finding means to plague and curse myself!
In learning only that I've nothing learned!
What will o' th' wisps and shadows have I chased!
For what unworthy objects have I yearned!
How vainly searched for truth in falsehood's mines!
What trust I've given only to be betrayed!
What pagan altars ta'en for holy shrines!
What vain fantastic prayers have I prayed!
What mirage-like illusions have I cherished!
In what blind alleys hoped a path to find!
My faith, my love, my hope, how have they perished!
For what imagined vices have I pined!
And in all ways what skill I've shown (poor elf!)
In finding means to plague and curse myself!