The Borough

by George Crabbe

“Sink not, my soul! - my spirit, rise and look

O’er the fair entries of this precious book:

Here are the sins, our debts; - this fairer side

Has what to carnal wish our strenetb denied;

Has those religious duties every day

Paid, - which so few upon the Sabbath pay;

Here too are conquests over frail desires,

Attendance due on all the church requires;

Then alms I give - for I believe the word

Of holy writ, and lend unto the Lord,