Philanthropist

From the Philadelphia American

IN TEMPERANCE.

BEWARE LEST BITE LIKE
SERPENT, AND STINGS
LIKE AN ADDER'S TOOTH.
I take the warning—away!

Take—eat it once—not let me sip,
In sin it leads us on.
It lights one thirst, want more,
For I will drink no more:
It cannot cheer the heart with mirth
That grief has saddened:

For serpent's wrath its sparkling tide,
And adders work below:
It hath no soothing charm for him
Who sinks oppress'd with woe.
Say not, 'behold its ruddy hue—
O press it to thy lips!'
For 'tis more deadly than the dew
That from the Ivy drips:
It is more poisonous than the stream
Which deadly night shade leaves;
Its joys are transient as the beam
That lights its ruddy waves.
Say not, it hath a powerful spell
To soothe the soul of care:
—Say not, it calms the bosom's swell,
And drives away despair!
Art thou its vot'ry? Ask thy soul—
Thy soul in misery deep
Yea, ask thy conscience if the bowl
Can give eternal sleep!
Then, hence, away! thou deadly foe
Of happiness the whole:
Away—away!—I feel thy blow,
Thou palsy of the soul!
Henceforth I ask no more of thee.
Thou bane of Adam's race,
But to a Heavenly fountain flee,
And drink the dews of grace.

BOSTON BARD