Hang fearful o'er the darkened sky;
And o'er the dim and shadowy deep,
Yawning, presents a deathful leap.
The boy has gained that desperate brink,
And not a moment will he think
Of all the hopes, and joys, and fears
That are entwined in his young years.
The old man stretched his arms in air,
And vainly warned him to forbear:
Oh! stay, my child, in mercy stay,