Kneel, dash thyself upon the senseless ground,

Writhe as the worm writhes with dividing wound,

Invoke the heaven that knows thy sorrow’s truth,

By all the softening memories of youth⁠—

By every hope that cheered thine earlier day⁠—

By every tear that washes wrath away⁠—

By every old remembrance long gone by⁠—

By every pang that makes thee yearn to die;

And learn at length how deep and stern a blow

Near hands can strike, and yet no pity show!