The Autobiography of a Clock; And Other Poems (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1852 Excerpt: ...Weep not, weep not: He will protect you through the storms of life; And, when ye bid adieu to earthly scenes, Again the angelic spirit ye will meet, Again to part no more. A RETROSPECTION. Alas, life's tablet there are pages sad, Most woful on it, often unrevealed, Ay, all unknown to sympathizing heart. E'en now a picture rises to my view Of solemn truth: yet wherefore it should come, Or who conveyed the tale, I cannot tell. 'Twas told me years ago, long after she, The uncomplaining sufferer, slept in peace. She was a widow, --so the tale began, --Feeble and old and poor; yet had she known Far better days, for she had ever been A willing worker in the path of life, --The humble path assigned her: now, alas Old age had come upon her, with its train, Its sad, sad train, of weaknesses and woes; And she did live alone, with none to aid, Save with a scanty pittance seldom given. She struggled hard, this aged, widowed one, In meek and gentle patience to endure, And pay, if possible, her little rent To a rough, cruel landlord. Oh, this world Though noble hearts are in it, full of worth, And charity abounds, yet, yet there are Cold, griping, stony bosoms, that seem formed Of other clay than human. 'Twas the fate Of this poor being, destitute and lone, This aged woman in her dotage now, To feel the oppressor's ruthless, iron hand. She could not help it, poor enduring one: She owed him much, and he would often come With threats of taking all her little store, Her homely, plain, and simple furniture, Even the little table that she loved; Each, every thing must go, --and so they did, Or nearly all; and, when he left her door, How would this creature tremble when she threw Her aching limbs once more in quiet down, With mind bewildered, hardly knowing why She late had bee...