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Text:Wherefore should man, frail child of clay

332. Wherefore should man, frail child of clay

1 Wherefore should man, frail child of clay
Who, from the cradle to the shroud,
Lives but the insect of a day,--
O why should mortal man be proud?

2 His brightest visions just appear,
Then vanish, and no ore are found:
The stateliest pile his pride can rear,
A breath may level with the ground.

3 By doubts perplex'd, in error lost,
With trembling step he seeks his way:
How vain of wisdom's gift the boast!
Of reason's lamp how faint the ray!

4 Follies and crimes, a countless sum,
Are crowded in life's little span:
How ill, alas, does pride become
That erring, guilty creature, man!

5 God of my life! Father divine!
Give me a meek and lowly mind;
In modest worth O let me shine,
And peace in humble virtue find.

Text Information
First Line: Wherefore should man, frail child of clay
Meter: L. M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1814
Topic: Personal Duties
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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