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1801.6
The Beggar Girl
Anon
The Scots Magazine, LXIII (August 1801), p. 562
A poor helpless wand'rer, the wide world
before
me,
When the harsh din of War forc'd a Parent
to
roam,
With no Friend save kind Heav'n to protect
and
watch o'er me,
I, a Child of Affliction, was robb'd of
a
home!
And thus, with a sigh, I accosted each stranger—
"O look with compassion on poor orphan
BESS!
"Your mite may relieve her from each threat'ning
danger—
"And the soft tear of pity can soothe her distress."
To the Rich, by whom Virtue's too often
neglected,
I tell my sad store—and crave for relief:
But Wealth seldom feels for a wretch unprotected—
'Tis Poverty only partakes of her grief!
Ah, little they think that the thousands they
squander
On the play-things of Folly and fripp'ries
of
Dress,
Would relieve the keen wants of the wretched
who
wander,
While the soft tear of pity would soothe
their
distress!
Thus bereft of each comfort, poor BESS will
not
languish:
Since short is life's journey, 'tis vain
to
lament;
And HE who still marks the deep sigh of
keen
anguish,
Has plac'd in her bosom the jewel Content.
Then, ye wealthy to-day, think—ah, think,
ere
to morrow,
The frowns of misfortune upon you may
press;
Then, turn not away from a poor Orphan's
sorrow,
When the soft tear of pity can soothe
her
distress!