The tide of life swells up and down
The paths of this restless sea.
Will they dash thy bark on the surf away,
Like a straw or leaf on the ocean spray?
Poor boy! for thee how ruthless time
All tender ties hath riven!
Thy father's love—all seared with crime;
Thy mother—gone to Heaven.
No brother, sister, guards the shrine,
When God hath set his seal divine.